Objective To explore the expression of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) MEG3 in white preadipocyte differentiation process and visceral fatty tissues of the obese. In addition to evaluate the relationship between the expression of MEG3 and body mass index (BMI) and to provide clues of MEG3 role in adipocyte differentiation and obesity. Methods The expressions of MEG3 at different time points (D0, D1, D3, D5, D9, and D12) were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR). Furthermore, the MEG3 expressions in visceral fatty tissues of the control and obese were also examined by qPCR. Pearson correlation was used to discover the variation trend between MEG3 and BMI, triacylglycerol and cholesterol. Results ① MEG3 expression was increased during the differentiation (D1, D3, D5, D9, and D12) of white preadipocytes, especially at early time points. ② In the obese, the expression of MEG3 in visceral organs was obviously augmented (P<0.05). ③ The expression was strongly correlated with BMI［r=0.5038(/PPIA), r=0.5497(/18s)］. Conclusion This study characterized the change of MEG3 expression during white preadipocyte differentiation and indicated that MEG3 may be a regulator during differentiation of adipocytes. Similarly, the increased level of MEG3 in the obese remains a target objective for prevention and treatment of obesity.