Obalon, a pill that inflates into a gastric balloon
The gastric balloon is a solution offered as part of the treatment of severe obesity. Its pose allows the reduction of the volume of the stomach, thus allowing the faster appearance of the feeling of satiety. Food intake is thus reduced, which allows rapid and significant weight loss.
This treatment is non-surgical , unlike methods such as the adjustable gastric band for example (see our file on this subject ).
The balloon « Obalon »
Obalon (2) offers a gastric balloon in capsule form. The latter releases a gastric balloon, the size of an apple, which inflates at the bottom of the stomach. It includes a miniature catheter (4) which allows rapid inflation of the balloon and easy removal of the catheter. The materials used are designed to respect the gastric environment. The balloon is placed for a maximum period of three months . In order to increase the weight loss, it is possible to add two additional balloons, a second balloon thirty days later, and possibly a third (3)another thirty days later. Balloons are removed by deflating them and pulling them out with a long, thin, flexible tube inserted into the patient’s throat.
A ball costs approximately €2420 (1) , the price of 2 balls is decreasing (approximately €3630 (1) ) and 3 balls cost €4840 (1) . A price that will therefore remain a barrier for many individuals. These prices are those of Spire Healtcare , which are the only establishments currently offering this treatment in the United Kingdom (first country where this balloon is marketed).
The process has been approved in Europe.
Explanations
Obalon is reserved for people whose body mass index (BMI, calculate yours by clicking here ) is greater than 27 and who have failed using traditional weight loss methods (diets, exercises). It is used as an accompaniment to a diet and an eating behavior modification program.
The figures published following a pre-study of Obalon show a 44.1% loss of excess weight and a drop in BMI of 2.1 (study carried out on the European market before approval, out of 119 obese people). The average weight loss observed over 3 months is 7.7 kilos, figures observed in England and the United States.
Obalon has the advantage, compared to the traditional gastric balloon, of avoiding invasive surgery. No anesthesia is required and the procedure takes about ten minutes. In addition, Obalon retains the interest inherent in the classic gastric balloon, namely rapid weight loss over a relatively short period.
Obalon is currently available in the UK , but only privately (via Spire Healtcare (1) )
Risks & side effects
In terms of possible risks or side effects, 1 in 10 patients have had problems with indigestion, stomach pain and cramps, constipation, diarrhea, bloating and gastric ulcers, among others. There is also a risk of obstruction of the intestine during the deflation of the balloon.
Additionally, an issue with over-inflation has been reported at altitudes above 660 meters above sea level. Although no product failure has been reported in this instance, Obalon has prescribed stop using the inflation system immediately. The company is looking for a solution allowing the use of the balloon at higher altitudes.
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.