Obesity is recognized as a complex metabolic illness that causes several comorbid diseases. The excess accumulation of body fat results in unproportionate weight gain which can result in adverse health consequences. When it comes to the treatment of obesity, constant efforts are made to devise more safer and effective weight reduction interventions. Providing more favorable outcomes, Intragastric Balloon treatment is considered one of the best alternative solutions for obese patients. In case medications are not providing desired results and surgical procedures such as bariatric surgery need to be avoided, this procedure is quite useful. Some of the diseases that can occur as a result of obesity include hypertension, stroke, Gastroesophageal Reflux, Coronary Heart Disease, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, along Non-Alcoholic fatty liver disease. 

How does the procedure take place? 

Advancement in technology has encouraged experts to explore minimally invasive endoscopic procedures for obesity management. With a multidisciplinary approach and a comprehensive treatment plan, endoscopic obesity treatment can offer great results. The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting under mild sedation where Intragastric balloons are placed in the stomach with the help of an endoscope. The balloon is filled with saline which fills the space in the stomach and offers you the feeling of fullness with less intake of food. The balloon acts as a significant obstruction to food consumption which reduces the intragastric volume and delays gastric emptying. Various neurohormonal factors also ensure the success of the procedure as it significantly controls hunger and gastric emptying by modifying the gut hormones and peptides. 

Benefits of intragastric balloons to overcome obesity

The procedure can be performed using a simple endoscope and the best part is, it is reversible. Based on the degree of obesity, the method plays a comprehensive role in obesity treatment. In addition to this, intragastric balloon treatment not only stimulates weight loss but also provides assistance in gaining recovery from the comorbidities associated with it, with proper safety. Restricting the gastric capacity is the key focus area when the patient is advised to undergo surgical obesity management. The treatment might offer short term results but following a healthy routine and lifestyle is the primary requirement along with pharmacotherapy can avoid further weight regain. Further, appetite-related gastrointestinal hormones play a key role in maintaining body weight post weight reduction. 

Intragastric balloons are recommended for patients having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of less than 25 kg/m². The approach is highly advantageous for obese persons with progressive weight gain who have refractory to clinical treatment.

Weight reduction is a step by step process but adopting a safe and effective method for managing obesity is necessary so that positive outcomes can be achieved. Further, when it comes to minimally invasive endoscopic procedures for obesity treatment, a variety of options are available such as gastroplasty, gastrointestinal bypass sleeves, aspiration therapy, etc. but the most commonly preferred treatment is the intragastric balloon. If you are suffering from lifestyle diseases like obesity and have tried all the methods of weight reduction but are unable to succeed, you can visit SR Kalla Hospital. They have successfully treated patients suffering from obesity and helped them to get back to normal life.