Abstract
Objectives: To effectively improve the treatment of obesity through oriental medicine and to prepare basic material for proper classification of different types of obesity. Methods: After deciding on four types of obesity based on 'DongYiBaoJian', a questionnaire consisting of 38 items was constructed to decide to which type an individual belonged. 212 women were asked to the complete the questionnaire. To verify that the cluster of four types of obesity was acceptable, a cluster analysis and a factor analysis were conducted as well as an evaluation on the distinction of each type. Also, a canonical discriminant analysis was done to categorize the individuals into one of four types of obesity. Results: 1. Developed a reliable questionnaire consisting of 38 items for the purpose of classifying four types of obesity. 2. Obesity types were divided into four groups. Type I was designated as GanChengPi (肝乘脾類型), Type II as PiWeiJuWang(脾胃俱旺類型), Type III as PiWeiJuXu (脾胃俱虛類型), and Type IV as Tan TanYin(痰飮類型). These types were verified and classified through the use of a cluster analysis as well as a factor analysis (p<0.05). 3. By the use of a questionnaire, four types of obesity were correctly classified with a hit ratio of 87.3%, 40.64% higher than the maximum chance criteria (Cmax) in unselected grouped. The hit ratios for obesity types I, II, III and IV were 93.3%, 93.3%, 78.6% and 50%(p<0.05). Conclusion: Further clinical research is necessary into the four types of obesity explored. By analyzing various test results, characteristics these types should be further explored.
