Objective To evaluate the efficacy of electroacupuncture(EA)therapy on abdominal fat in obese women by using magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).Methods Thirty abdominal obesity women patients were randomly divided into control group(n=15)and EA group(n=15).The obesity patients of the control group did not receive any treatment for weight reduction

and those of the EA group were treated by EA stimulation of bilateral Neiting(ST 44)

Fenglong(ST 40)

Zusanli(ST 36)

Huaroumen(ST 24)

Tianshu(ST 25)

Wailing(ST 26)

Shuidao(ST 28)

Fujie(SP 14)

Daheng(SP 13)

etc.for 25 min

once every other day

3times per week for 3months.The patient's body weight

height

waist circumference(WC)were measured with different devices

and the body mass index(BMI)was calculated

and the subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness at the inferior edges of L4

L5 and S3and the superior edge of the pubic symphysis and the total abdominal fat volume between the L4 and S3levels were detected using MRI systems before and after the treatment.Results The effects of the EA group were significantly superior to those of the control group in lowering difference values(between pre-and post-treatment)of BMI

WC and subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness at the levels of the inferior edges of L4

L5

S3 and the superior edge of the pubic symphysis(all P<0.01)and in reducing total abdominal fat volume between L4 and S3(all P<0.01).After the treatment

the subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness at the superior edge of the pubic symphysis(P<0.01)and the total abdominal fat volume between L4 and S3(P<0.05)were significantly decreased in the EA group compared to pre-treatment.There were no significant differences between post-and pre-treatment in BMI

WC

subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness at the levels of the L4

L5 and S3in both EA and control groups and in the subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness at the level of the superior edge of the pubic symphysis and the total abdominal fat volume between L4 and S3in the control group(P>0.05).Conclusion EA intervention can effectively reduce abdominal fat in obese women based on the evaluation of MRI.