New diet injection trend: Brits are now swallowing the ‘weight loss balloon’

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Obesity is an increasing problem in developed countries. Overweight people have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular problems. For many patients, losing weight without surgery involves hunger and discipline. But now there should be an oral solution: according to the Daily Mail, thousands of patients in Britain will now receive a gastric balloon that is swallowed as a tablet.

The UK National Health Service (NHS) has released the drug on a limited basis. The gastric balloon for swallowing is intended to help people who are seriously overweight and have a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30 to lose up to 15 percent of their body weight within four months. With a BMI of 40, those affected can even reduce their body weight by up to 20 percent thanks to the medication.

The gastric balloon follows a simple principle: the patient should feel fuller and therefore eat less. The product was used within 15 minutes. The balloon is swallowed in the form of a pill with a catheter attached. An x-ray ensures that the part is placed correctly. The catheter is filled with 550 milliliters of water. A second x-ray is used to check the balloon.

No surgical intervention required

After four months, the balloon in the stomach bursts by opening a valve and the water comes out. The remains of the balloon are excreted. During the four months, the body must get used to the change in diet, so that healthy eating habits are formed in the long term. The American company Allurion Technologies is behind the balloon capsule.

Unlike other gastric balloons, Allurion medication is not inserted through a gastroscopy, but can simply be swallowed. But gastric balloons also have side effects. Many patients report nausea and vomiting, but only temporarily. As with the Ozempic slimming injection, weight loss is possible without surgical intervention.

42 percent of Swiss people are obese

“We are very pleased to be able to offer this new treatment,” said Richard Welbourn, specialist in bariatric surgery. This “enables clinically meaningful weight loss as part of a holistic program with nutritional support,” Welbourn continues. According to the doctor, the fact that the NHS is now offering the drug is a great opportunity for overweight patients. Thousands of Britons are expected to be treated with it in the coming months.

Allurion already has 130,000 private patients worldwide. According to the BAG, 42 percent of the population in Switzerland is overweight. Obesity has therefore developed into a widespread disease. The Allurion gastric balloon can also be swallowed in this country – although the health insurer will not reimburse costs for this.

Source: Blick