Can a Balloon Really Help with Weight Loss?

As America’s obesity problem spirals out of control, new options to help in the battle against the bulge are being introduced. An estimated third of the country’s population is currently considered obese, increasing risks for diabetes, heart disease, some forms of cancer and other complications. While obesity is a serious concern for adults, children are not immune. It is also estimated about a third of America’s young adults are considered obese.

 While weight loss programs and invasive surgical interventions can help some people shed pounds, that is not always the case. Diet and exercise alone simply does not help everyone. Surgical procedures like the gastric bypass are only recommended in cases where a person’s body mass index is especially high. People caught in the middle will find there are new options available to help them. One involves a much less invasive procedure that essentially mimics the effects of weight loss surgery for a measured period of time, using a balloon instead of permanent alteration of the body to shrink stomach holding capacity.

 The new balloon procedure is designed for adults with BMIs between 30 and 40. The lower end of the scale is lower than the minimum recommended for the gastric bypass; meaning the procedure is more easily assessable. It involves the insertion of a tiny balloon into the stomach through the mouth. Once in place, the balloon is filled with saline to occupy a fair amount of the stomach’s holding space. The end result is a temporary reduction in food holding capacity, which promotes dramatic weight loss over the course of a six-month period. During that time, patients are encouraged to build healthier lifestyle habits that will help them maintain weight loss once the balloon exists the system after six months.

 People who are obese are urged to speak with the doctors about all weight loss options. Losing weight can improve health while lowering risks for serious obesity-related complications. 

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