From this updated review, we conclude that the possible mechanisms of action of acupuncture in obesity involve the upregulation and an increase in the expression of POMC and α-MSH in the ARC, a reduction in the expression of NPY and AgRP in the ARC, an enhancement of the excitation of VMH neurons and the inhibition of the activity of LHA neurons, a decrease in the expression of leptin and insulin, an improvement in the sensitivity of leptin and insulin, as well as an increase in the expression of CCK, all of which provide new insights in the prevention and treatment of obesity by acupuncture. The gene discussed is NPY; the disease is obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.