Objective To observe the curative effect of acupuncture intervention in reducing visceral fat content and secretary function in abdominal obesity patients.Methods A total of 73 cases of abdominal obesity patients were randomly divided into acupuncture group(n=50)and control group(n=23)according to the randomized block design.For patients of the acupuncture group

Zhongwan(CV 12)

Tianshu(ST 25)

Daheng(SP 15)

Daimai(GB 26)

Shuidao(ST 28)

Waiguan(SJ 5)and Zulinqi(GB 41)were punctured with filiform needles

followed by electroacupuncture stimulation(2Hz/100 Hz

4-8mA)of bilateral ST 25 and GB 26 for 20min

once every other day for 8weeks.In addition

the patients were also given with health education in every session of treatment.The patients of the control group were asked to receive health education including restraining wine or liquor and salt intake

stopping smoking

increasing physical activities

regular daily life habit

etc.The abdominal fat thickness was detected using a color Doppler ultrasonography

and serum visfatin level was assayed using ELISA.Additionally

the body weight

body mass index(BMI)

waist circumstance(WC)and hip circumference(HC)were determind.Results After the treatment

the subcutaneous fat thickness levels including the subcutaneous fat at the mid-point between the xyphoid and the umbilicus(S1)and the right side of the umbilicus(S2)

and serum visfatin content

WC and HC in both control and acupuncture groups

visceral fat at the mid-point between the xyphoid and the umbilicus(V1)and at the right side of the umbilicus(V2)

and antero-hepatic fat(AHF)

perirenal fat(PRF)

and body weight and BMI in the acupuncture group were significantly reduced in comparison with pre-treatment in the same one group(P<0.05

P<0.001)

while the ultrasonic visceral fat index[UVI

=(V1+V2)/(S1+S2)]of the control group was markedly increased(P<0.05).The S1

V1

V2

AHF

PRF and UVI levels

and BMI

WC and HC were significantly lower in the acupuncture group than in the control group(P<0.05

P<0.001).No statistical differences were found between the two groups in the S2

body weight and serum visfatin levels(P>0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture therapy can effectively reduce the visceral fat content

being better than simple health education.Both acupuncture treatment and health education can decrease serum visfatin level

regulating visceral fat's secretion.