Research

Energy balance

Intragastric balloons (IGB) are effective for weight loss but carry risks of dehydration, readmission, and reintervention, with saline-filled balloons outperforming air-filled ones.

If lifestyle changes haven't worked, an intragastric balloon can be a helpful bridge. Choose a saline-filled balloon over an air-filled one for better results. Be prepared for a 6-12 month commitment and take prescribed stomach acid reducers to prevent discomfort. The risk of serious complications is low, but dehydration is a common side effect.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Air-filled balloons have shown less weight loss (3-4 kg on average) compared to liquid-filled balloons... Approximately 7% of patients who have undergone IGB placement experience dehydration, 2% are readmitted to medical services, and 1% require reintervention
Valeria Atenea Costa et al. · Revista Colombiana de Gastroenterología · 2024

Why this rating

Based on cited statistics and consensus guidelines.

Source

Obesidad, el papel del gastroenterólogo

Valeria Atenea Costa et al. · Revista Colombiana de Gastroenterología · 2024

DOI 10.22516/25007440.1192

narrative_reviewCited 1×
Read the paper
DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →