OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of simple obesity treated by acupuncture.

METHODS: By randomized single-blind clinical trial, one hundred and eighteen cases of simple obesity were divided into an acupuncture group (76 cases) and a placebo-acupuncture control group (42 cases), additionally, health control group (30 cases) was included. In acupuncture group and placebo-acupuncture control group, all the patients received a restricted diet; Zhongwan (CV 12) and Zhongji (CV 3) etc. at abdomen and Liangqiu (ST 34) and Zusanli (ST 36) etc. at limbs were selected; body mass index (BMI), Serum Total Cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), Glucose, Creatinine, urea nitrogen (BUN), Uric Acid and adverse reactions scores were observed.

RESULTS: After treatment the BMI in acupuncture grown was lower than that in placebo-acupuncture control group (P < 0.01). In metabolism indices, the serum Total Cholesterol and Glucose after treatment were reduced obviously than those before treatment in acupuncture group (all P < 0.01), and there was no significant differences in other metabolism indices (all P > 0.05) in two groups. After treatment, in adverse reactions scores, the hunger sensation scores in acupuncture group was reduced than that in placebo-acupuncture control group (P < 0.05), and there was no significant differences in other indices (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: BMI of simple obesity was reduced by acupuncture, and the Serum Total Cholesterol and Glucose were reduced accordingly. The adverse reac tions such as weakness, nervosa and diarrhea, etc. doesn't appear after acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture therapy is one of the safe and effective methods for simple obesity.