A cost-effectiveness analysis of herbal medicine for overweight and obese children

BACKGROUND: The number of obese children and the resulting socioeconomic burden are increasing, and herbal medicine is being widely used for overweight and obese children due to the limitations of conventional treatments, such as low compliance with lifestyle interventions. The purpose of this study was to analyze the cost-effectiveness of herbal medicine for overweight and obese children. METHODS: Based on the electronic medical records of 3 Korean medicine institutions from January 2012 to February 2023, data from overweight and obese children aged 2 to 19 years who were prescribed herbal medicine for weight loss were analyzed. Effectiveness outcomes were the body mass index percentile and z-score, and direct medical costs, including costs of consultation, examination, and herbal medicines that could be confirmed through medical records, were analyzed. The average cost-effectiveness ratios (ACERs) of herbal medicines were calculated based on the healthcare system perspective. RESULTS: A total of 183 patients were included in the analysis. After herbal medicine administration for an average of 75.78 days, the ACERs of herbal medicines per 1 body mass index percentile and z-score reduction were 343 United States dollar and 1980 United States dollar, respectively. The ACERs were generally lower among females, those who visited Korean medicine institutions with obesity or overweight as the principal diagnosis, and those prescribed herbal medicine including Ephedra Herba. Furthermore, the ACERs of Gambi-san, Wolbigachul-tang, Joripyewon-tang, and Pyeongjin-tang were generally low. CONCLUSION: Herbal medicine might be a cost-effective weight-loss treatment for overweight and obese children. These findings may inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients considering the use of herbal medicine for pediatric obesity management. Further large-scale, long-term controlled clinical studies should be conducted to assess cost-effectiveness.