Energy balance
Intragastric balloons (IGBs) and oral superabsorbent hydrogels (OSH) provide moderate weight loss (10-15% TBWL for IGBs, ~10% for OSH) by physically occupying stomach volume and triggering satiety signals, serving as minimally invasive alternatives for patients who are not surgical candidates.
If you are not a candidate for surgery or drugs, or want a temporary, non-surgical option, intragastric balloons or hydrogels can help. Balloons are placed in the stomach for 6-12 months to take up space and make you feel full, leading to 10-15% weight loss. Hydrogels are swallowed before meals and expand to trigger satiety. These are less effective than surgery or GLP-1 drugs long-term but offer a middle ground for those avoiding needles or surgery.
Studies have shown results of weight loss typically around 10-15% of total body weight within six months of placement.[99][108] ... Around 27% of overweight or obese participants lost at least 10% of their total body weight, furthermore, 60% of patients also attained significant weight loss, which is 5% or more.
Why this rating
Based on meta-analyses and specific device trials, but long-term data is limited compared to surgery.
Source
An Overview of Modern Strategies for Treating Obesity
Aleksandra Jędrasek et al. · Journal of Education Health and Sport · 2024
DOI 10.12775/jehs.2024.68.49506
More from this paper
- Bariatric surgery (specifically Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and biliopancreatic diversion) provides superior long-term weight loss (average 27% over 15 years) and quality of life improvements compared to lifestyle interventions and pharmacotherapy, despite carrying higher risks of postoperative complications.Good
- GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, liraglutide) and dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists (tirzepatide) induce significant weight loss (5-21%) by suppressing appetite via central nervous system mechanisms and delaying gastric emptying, serving as effective pharmacological alternatives to surgery.Good
Related findings · Energy balance
- Achieving a total body weight loss of 10-15% (or >10-15 kg) through Total Diet Replacement (TDR) induces remission of Type 2 Diabetes in individuals with short-duration disease.Strong
- Bariatric surgery is superior to medical management alone for inducing significant long-term weight loss, remission of type 2 diabetes, and reduction in mortality for patients with BMI ≥ 40 or ≥ 35 with comorbidities.Strong
- Achieving type 2 diabetes remission requires significant weight loss (≥15 kg) via major caloric restriction, independent of macronutrient composition.Strong
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