: Swallowable Gastric Balloon Combined with Weight Loss Drugs Shows Promising Results: A Safe and Effective Approach for Weight Loss

Introduction:

A recent study presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) has revealed that combining a swallowable gastric balloon with weight loss medication can lead to significant weight reduction in individuals struggling with obesity. Although the Allurion Balloon is not yet approved in the United States, it is currently undergoing clinical trials to determine its efficacy and safety. This innovative method aims to create a feeling of fullness in the stomach, while the weight loss drug liraglutide suppresses appetite and slows down stomach emptying. The study findings suggest that this combination therapy offers a relatively simple and effective approach for weight loss.

Combining the Allurion Balloon and Liraglutide:

Bloon, approximately the size of a pill, is swallowed and then filled with water in the stomach, expanding alto the size oThe study involved 181 individuals who received both the Allurion Balloon and liraglutide. The Allurion f a grapefruit. It remains in the stomach for 15 to 17 weeks before being excreted naturally. Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonist, is initiated between four and sixteen weeks after balloon placement. Patients who felt their balloon-induced satiety had diminished or were not satisfied with their weight loss began taking liraglutide. The patients were followed for at least six months to assess the effectiveness and safety of the combination therapy.

Impressive Weight Loss Results:

The study revealed that the Allurion Balloon, in combination with liraglutide, produced remarkable weight loss results. After 16 weeks of balloon placement, participants experienced an average weight loss of 13 kilograms (approximately 28 pounds) and a 14% reduction in their initial body weight. Additionally, they shed 74% of their excess weight and lowered their body mass index (BMI) by 4.5kg/m2. Following the excretion of the balloon, the patients continued to follow the Mediterranean diet for at least six months. At the completion of liraglutide treatment (average duration of four months), participants achieved an average weight loss of 18 kilograms (almost 40 pounds) and a 19% reduction in their initial body weight. They also lost 99% of their excess weight and reduced their BMI by 5.9kg/m2.

Mild Side Effects:

While the combination therapy showed promising results, some mild side effects were observed. The Allurion Balloon caused nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps, while liraglutide was associated with nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and headache. Although no serious adverse events were recorded during the trial, four individuals had to discontinue the treatment due to intolerance, gastric dilation, or balloon deflation. However, the most common side effect of both methods, nausea, was reported to improve over time and rarely necessitated treatment discontinuation.

Expert Opinions:

Bariatric specialists and experts in the field of obesity view the combination therapy as a significant advancement in the treatment of obesity. Dr. Aurora Pryor, a bariatric surgery expert, emphasizes the importance of exploring new treatment options for this chronic disease, as no perfect solution currently exists. With obesity influenced by various factors, combining different treatments, such as the Allurion Balloon and a GLP-1 medication like liraglutide, holds potential for enhancing weight loss outcomes in specific individuals. Dr. Mir Ali, a bariatric surgeon, further supports the combination approach, highlighting its ability to increase weight loss in the study participants.

Conclusion:

The combination of a swallowable gastric balloon and weight loss drugs, specifically the Allurion Balloon and liraglutide, has shown promising results in helping individuals achieve significant weight loss. The Allurion Balloon, currently undergoing clinical trials, occupies space in the stomach to create a feeling of fullness, while liraglutide suppresses appetite and prolongs satiety. The study presented at the European Congress on Obesity suggests that this combination therapy is safe, effective, and relatively simple for weight loss.

The trial involved 181 individuals who received both the Allurion Balloon and liraglutide. After 16 weeks of the balloon placement, participants experienced an average weight loss of 13 kilograms (about 28 pounds) and a 14% reduction in their initial body weight. Following the excretion of the balloon and the completion of liraglutide treatment, participants achieved an average weight loss of 18 kilograms (nearly 40 pounds) and a 19% reduction in their initial body weight. These outcomes demonstrate the significant potential of this combination therapy for weight loss

Reference : https://www.healthline.com/health-news/swallowable-gastric-balloon-plus-weight-loss-drugs-helped-people-lose-19-of-body-weight#What-experts-think-of-the-combination-method