Objective To systematically evaluate the effect of acupoint catgut embedding therapy （ACET） for simple obesity. Methods Computer retrieval was used for randomized controlled trials on the treatment effect of simple obesity with ACET in databases of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI）, Wanfang Data system, and the China Biology Medicine disc （CBMDisc）. The Jadad Quality Scale was used in the evaluation of included studies. The outcome indicators were analyzed with the Review Manage 5.1 software. Results A total of 16 randomized controlled trials were included finally. The meta-analysis result showed that compared with the control group, there was statistically significance on the total efficiency of using ACET for simple obesity [OR=2.51, 95% confidence interval （1.74, 3.63）, Z=4.91, P〈0.000 01]. The analysis on the literature quality showed that there was only 2 article marked as 3 points. The other 25 articles marked ≤2 points. The quality of published articles was generally low. There were publication biases and the blinding method was seldom used, the losses of follow-up / drop oup / withdraw were reported with less. There were 27 acupoints used in the treatment, which mainly included Tianshu （天枢ST 25）, Zhongwan （中脘 CV 12）, Fenglong （丰隆 ST 40）, Shufen （水分 CV 9）, Qihai （气海 CV 6）, Sanyinjiao （三阴交 SP 6）, Zusnli （足三里 ST 36）, Ashi point, Daheng （大横 SP 25）. The five kinds of catgut embedding needle were injection needles ＋ acupuncture needle, specialized catgut embedding needle, spinal needle, triangular needle, and skin suture needle. Conclusion There is definite efficiency of using ACET in the treatment of simple obesity. However, the clinical efficiency still lacks of sufficient evidences. Therefore, further clinical research should be conducted in the providing of reliable evidences in the clinical decision-making in the future.
