The Swallowable Intragastric Balloon Combined with Lifestyle Coaching: Short-Term Results of a Safe and Effective Weight Loss Treatment for People Living with Overweight and Obesity

Background Some patients with overweight or obesity are not eligible for surgery according to international guidelines or do not wish a surgical intervention. For these patients, different treatment options are being explored. In this study, we examined the effectiveness of the swallowable intragastric balloon (IB) combined with lifestyle coaching, in patients living with overweight and obesity. Method A retrospective data study was conducted on patients with a swallowable IB placement between December 2018 and July 2021, combined with a 12-month coaching program. Before balloon placement, patients underwent multidisciplinary screening. The IB was swallowed and filled with fluid once in the stomach and naturally excreted around 16 weeks. Results A total of 336 patients, 71.7% female, were included with a mean age of 45.7 (+/- 11.7) years. Mean baseline weight and BMI were 107.54 (+/- 19.16) kg and 36.1 (+/- 5.02) kg/m(2). After 1 year, the mean total weight loss was 11.0% (+/- 8.4). The mean placement duration was 13.1 (+/- 2.82) min, and in 43.7%, a stylet was used to facilitate placement. The most common symptoms were nausea (80.4%) and gastric pain (80.3%). In the majority of patients, complaints were resolved within a week. The early deflation of the balloon occurred in 8 patients (2.4%) of which one showed symptoms suggesting a gastric outlet obstruction. Conclusion Given the low rate of long-term complaints while providing a positive effect on weight loss, we conclude that the swallowable intragastric balloon, combined with lifestyle coaching, is a safe and effective treatment option for patients living with overweight and obesity.