Progress in the study of intragastric occupancy device for weight reduction

Area of Science:

• Medical Technology
• Gastroenterology
• Public Health

Background:

• Obesity is a significant global health issue with substantial economic impact.
• Current obesity treatments include lifestyle changes, medications, endoscopic procedures, and surgery.
• Emerging technologies offer less invasive options for weight management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review emerging intragastric devices for obesity treatment.
• To highlight the mechanisms and advantages of intragastric balloons and capsules.
• To discuss the potential of these devices in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Review of intragastric occupancy devices for weight reduction.
• Description of intragastric balloons (e.g., ReShape, Orbera, Obalon, Elipse, Spatz) and their function.
• Explanation of intragastric capsules utilizing hydrogel technology.

Main Results:

• Intragastric balloons and capsules reduce weight by limiting gastric volume and increasing satiety.
• These devices are non-invasive, offering high safety and potential reusability (balloons).
• Intragastric capsules provide a completely non-invasive weight loss method.

Conclusions:

• Intragastric balloons and capsules represent innovative, non-invasive approaches to obesity treatment.
• These devices achieve weight loss by reducing food intake through gastric volume occupancy.
• Despite potential gastrointestinal side effects, they offer promising new avenues for obesity management.