摘要OBJECTIVE:To explore the difference of catgut embedding effect between acupoints and non-acupoints in patients with abdominal obesity(AO).METHODS:In this multicenter,double-blind,randomized controlled trial,all subjects were randomly assigned into the acupoint catgut embedding(ACE)group and control group(catgut embedding at non-acupoints).With a 12-week actual intervention period and a 4-week period of follow-up.Waist circumference(WC),body weight,body mass index(BMI),hip circumference(HC)and appetite were applied and assessed at baseline and after 6,12 and 16 weeks.RESULTS:After the total intervention phase(12 weeks),the WC,body weight,BMI,HC and visual analogue scale scores of appetite,decreased significantly in the two groups as compared to the baseline(P＜0.001).Meanwhile,after the 4-week follow-up,the indicators still decreased significantly in the ACE group(P＜0.001).At 12 and 16 weeks,catgut embedding at acupoints showed significantly advantages to non-acupoints in WC and appetite(P＜0.05).No serious adverse events were observed in ACE group and control group.CONCLUSIONS:Catgut embedding at acupoints and non-acupoints are all effective and safe for AO.ACE can effectively treat AO as expected and deliver lasting results.