Weight Loss Pump Approved in Fight Against Obesity

Doctors have a new weapon in their arsenal to fight obesity. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved the use of a new and rather unique weight loss device. This device is designed to pump stomach contents into the toilet. The new weight loss device has been shown to help people lose on average more than 12 percent of their body weight.

The weight loss pump involves a minimally invasive procedure. It works by inserting a tube from the stomach to a port on the outside of the abdomen. The pump is then attached to the outside port when it is needed to help emption about a third of the stomach’s contents. Clinical trials related to the pump showed that people who used it lost an average of 46 pounds in the first year. Over the second year, they lost a few more pounds to average about a 50-pound loss overall.

It is estimated that about a third of all Americans are obese. This condition, if left unchecked, can lead to a wide variety of health complications. Obesity has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, some type of cancer, sleep apnea and more. Losing weight can dramatically lower the risk for some conditions developing while helping treat others, such as type 2 diabetes.

People who are obese or are concerned about becoming so are urged to speak with their healthcare providers for insights on addressing the concern. While the new weight loss pump offers an option for some, many other procedures also exist. Weight loss surgery of any form is generally only recommended as an option of last resort. It is recommended that people first try lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, to address weight concerns. A family physician or bariatric surgeon can help people who are obese explore all of their options.

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