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Swallow a balloon to lose weight – Irish Independent
Obese people lost an average of 2st 6lb over 16 weeks, a study found, with experts suggesting the technique could be used as an alternative to drastic weight-loss surgery.
The Elipse Balloon is contained inside a capsule which is swallowed with a drink of water. The capsule is attached to a hollow plastic tube.
A doctor uses imaging to check the balloon is correctly in place before filling it up, via the tube, with almost a pint of water.
The tube is then detached and removed.
After 16 weeks, a valve disintegrates and the device is excreted safely by the body.
In the new study presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Porto, Portugal, the balloon was given to 42 obese people (29 men and 13 women).
They were typically aged 46, had a body mass index of 39 and weighed just over 17st on average.
After 16 weeks, typical weight loss per person was 2st 6lb and people lost more than 14pc of their total body weight.
The balloon, which costs around 4,000, is available in several countries around the world.
"The reaction of patients is incredible. They are very happy about the results they were able to achieve," said Dr Roberta Ienca, from the University of Rome, who led the study.
Work was also carried out with patients on changing their eating habits long-term, she said.
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Swallow a balloon to lose weight - Irish Independent
‘Fat and frail’ seniors benefit from right exercise combo – Palm Beach Post
CHICAGO
Heavy seniors who want to lose pounds safely shouldn't skip the weight machines or the treadmill, new research suggests.
Experts have worried about recommending weight loss to older, obese people because it speeds up bone and muscle loss, increasing the danger of falls and broken bones. Losing weight plus aerobic activity and strength training improved their health more than dieting plus either type of exercise alone.
The results suggest a combination of exercises is the safest approach, and may have big implications for helping people continue to live independently as they age. Medicare, the U.S. health insurance program for people 65 and older, now covers behavioral therapy for weight loss and some plans offer gym memberships.
"It is the worst of both worlds, being fat and frail," said Dr. Dennis T. Villareal of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, who led the study under a grant from the National Institute on Aging.
More than a third of Americans ages 65 and older are obese. Obesity can make the elderly vulnerable to medical problems, but losing weight can worsen frailty by hastening muscle and bone loss.
The study, published Wednesday by the New England Journal of Medicine, involved 141 older obese people who were randomly assigned to a diet-and-exercise program. They scored in the frail range on a standard test used with seniors.
One group did aerobics such as treadmill walking. Another did strength training with weight machines. A third group did aerobics and strength training. All exercised three times a week.
A control group didn't diet or exercise and only attended monthly nutrition classes.
After six months, all the groups except the do-nothing group had lost weight, about 19 pounds on average.
The combination and aerobics-only groups built their ability to use oxygen most efficiently, which can increase endurance. The combination and strength-only groups preserved the most lean mass and bone.
The health differences showed up in follow-up testing where participants did a series of nine tasks including picking up a penny, standing up from a chair and climbing stairs.
Most improved was the combination group with a 21 percent average increase in scores compared to 14 percent improvement in the aerobics-only and strength-only groups.
"It's never too late to change lifelong unhealthy habits," Villareal said.
Minor injuries such as knee pain and shoulder pain among the exercisers were not enough to outweigh the benefits, he said.
The study excluded people with severe heart disease and other serious health problems, so the results apply only to people well enough to start an exercise program.
"You get more bang for your buck with doing both types of training, especially when it comes to improving frailty scores," said Dr. Lawrence Appel of Johns Hopkins University, who was not involved in the study.
Follow AP Medical Writer Carla K. Johnson on Twitter: @CarlaKJohnson
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'Fat and frail' seniors benefit from right exercise combo - Palm Beach Post
Single tablet can lead to 2st 6ld weight loss in four months, research suggests – The Independent
A swallowable balloon which makes people feel full can lead to dramatic weight loss in just four months, research suggests.
Obese people lost an average of 2st 6lb over 16 weeks, a study found, with experts suggesting the technique could be used as an alternative to drastic weight-loss surgery.
The Elipse Balloon is contained inside a capsule which is swallowed with a drink of water. The capsule is attached to a hollow plastic tube.
A doctor uses imaging to check the balloon is correctly in place before filling it up, via the tube, with almost a pint of water. The tube is then detached and removed.
After 16 weeks, a valve disintegrates and the device is excreted safely by the body.
In the new study presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Porto, Portugal, the balloon was given to 42 obese people (29 men and 13 women).
They were typically aged 46, had a body mass index (BMI) of 39 and weighed just over 17st on average.
After 16 weeks, typical weight loss per person was 2st 6lb and people lost more than 14 per centof their total body weight (around a third of their excess weight).
The balloon, which costs around 3,400, is available in several countries around the world and privately in the UK. The NHS is investigating similar methods.
'Mr Sleek' sheds six stone in weight
Dr Roberta Ienca, from the University of Rome, who led the study, said: The reaction of patients is incredible. They are very happy about the results they were able to achieve.
During my daily phone contacts with my patients, they shared with me their pictures and the amount of weight they lost.
She said people were very satisfied with the results. Work was also carried out with patients on changing their eating habits long-term, she said.
Professor Jason Halford, treasurer of the European Association for the Study of Obesity, from the University of Liverpool, said the device helped people manage their appetite and modify their food intake.
In that context, it could be a solution for people who don't want to go for full bariatric (weight-loss) surgery, he said.
With bariatric surgery, there are potential complications, it's a very permanent change in your life and it's not easily reversible.
People are looking for alternatives.
He said the balloon could also provide an alternative to anti-obesity drugs and may be useful for people who have found that drugs do not work.
He said potentially millions could benefit on the NHS, though clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), which control large chunks of NHS funds, would need to be willing to pay for them.
I think if studies are there and it's cost-effective ... I think it should be considered (on the NHS), he said.
Dr Simon Cork, from Imperial College London, warned that patients were likely to regain weight once the balloon was removed.
Nevertheless, gastric balloons are still useful for some patients, and the introduction of a device which doesn't require surgery to implant is a positive step forward, he said.
Press Association
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Single tablet can lead to 2st 6ld weight loss in four months, research suggests - The Independent
How to lose weight fast (but safely and sensibly) – 9Honey
Most of us know to be wary of anything that promises to help you drop a dress size by Friday! Experts continually tell us that gradual weight loss is the most effective way to lose kilos and keep them off: when you lose weight quickly, your body goes into survival mode and your metabolism works to try to gain it back. Sabotage!
But if youre a month out from a beach vacation, or get invited to the same event as your ex and want a revenge body, its possible to drop a few kilos quickly and safely.
It depends on how much weight you want to lose and how much time you have, but nutritionist Susie Burrell, creator of the Shape Me program, has shared her advice with Coach no lemon juice and maple syrup required (looking at you, Beyonce).
Aim for 15-20 grams of protein to help regulate your insulin and glucose levels, Burrell advises. The earlier you eat your breakfast, the better it will be for your metabolism.
Go for eggs on toast, or one of these nine high-protein breakfast ideas.
A rich vegetable soup based on leeks, onions and celery is not only delicious but will help rid the body of any extra fluid you have been accumulating, leaving you feeling lighter and more energized, Burrell explains.
Have a bowl of veggie soup for lunch and/or dinner and youre likely to lose a kilo or two within a couple of days.
Having salad for lunch can start out with the best intentions, and end with you raiding the office biscuit tin by 3pm. But it doesnt have to be this way.
Base your lunch around a salad with lean protein (grilled chicken, tuna or smoked salmon) and some low GI carbs like corn, sweet potato or beans to help keep you full all afternoon, says Burrell.
Skipping carbs at dinner may help you lose weight faster, since we tend to be less active at night so are less likely to burn off what eat (plus its easier to skip carbs at dinner than lunch, since you go to bed soon after).
Keep dinner light, with a palm size serve of lean meat, chicken or fish and plenty of vegetables, Burrell advises.
When youre trying to slim down, the earlier you eat dinner the better a period of fasting overnight, say from 7pm to 7am, is believed to encourage weight loss.
The milk in your coffee or tea can add up to a significant amount of calories throughout the day enough to make the difference between losing weight or not.
Coffee and tea can also disrupt your natural hunger and fullness signals, Burrell warns.
Switch to black coffee or herbal tea, as well as lots of water, and Burrell says youll quickly notice how much more in control of your appetite you are.
RELATED: 12 classic dieting tricks that are totally wrong (and what to do instead)
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How to lose weight fast (but safely and sensibly) - 9Honey
‘Fat and frail’ seniors benefit from right exercise combo – ABC News
Heavy seniors who want to lose pounds safely shouldn't skip the weight machines or the treadmill, new research suggests.
Experts have worried about recommending weight loss to older, obese people because it speeds up bone and muscle loss, increasing the danger of falls and broken bones. Losing weight plus aerobic activity and strength training improved their health more than dieting plus either type of exercise alone.
The results suggest a combination of exercises is the safest approach, and may have big implications for helping people continue to live independently as they age. Medicare, the U.S. health insurance program for people 65 and older, now covers behavioral therapy for weight loss and some plans offer gym memberships.
"It is the worst of both worlds, being fat and frail," said Dr. Dennis T. Villareal of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, who led the study under a grant from the National Institute on Aging.
More than a third of Americans ages 65 and older are obese. Obesity can make the elderly vulnerable to medical problems, but losing weight can worsen frailty by hastening muscle and bone loss.
The study, published Wednesday by the New England Journal of Medicine, involved 141 older obese people who were randomly assigned to a diet-and-exercise program. They scored in the frail range on a standard test used with seniors.
One group did aerobics such as treadmill walking. Another did strength training with weight machines. A third group did aerobics and strength training. All exercised three times a week.
A control group didn't diet or exercise and only attended monthly nutrition classes.
After six months, all the groups except the do-nothing group had lost weight, about 19 pounds on average.
The combination and aerobics-only groups built their ability to use oxygen most efficiently, which can increase endurance. The combination and strength-only groups preserved the most lean mass and bone.
The health differences showed up in follow-up testing where participants did a series of nine tasks including picking up a penny, standing up from a chair and climbing stairs.
Most improved was the combination group with a 21 percent average increase in scores compared to 14 percent improvement in the aerobics-only and strength-only groups.
"It's never too late to change lifelong unhealthy habits," Villareal said.
Minor injuries such as knee pain and shoulder pain among the exercisers were not enough to outweigh the benefits, he said.
The study excluded people with severe heart disease and other serious health problems, so the results apply only to people well enough to start an exercise program.
"You get more bang for your buck with doing both types of training, especially when it comes to improving frailty scores," said Dr. Lawrence Appel of Johns Hopkins University, who was not involved in the study.
Follow AP Medical Writer Carla K. Johnson on Twitter: @CarlaKJohnson
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'Fat and frail' seniors benefit from right exercise combo - ABC News
A Diet For Coffee Lovers – Beliefnet
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The world runs on coffee. We drink it in the morning for a quick energy boost, and often throughout the day as we work, socialize, and relax. Its a miracle substance that helps us stay alert and focused, even when were overworked and underslept. Its the top agricultural export for a number of countries, and over 500 billion cups of the stuff is consumed each year.
But did you know that it might just be able to help you lose weight, as well?
Coffee is more than just flavored waterkeep in mind that this is a drink derived from the berries of the Coffea plant, which is full of nutrients and compounds that make it into your cup! These compounds affect everything from your neurotransmitters to your hormone levels to your metabolism, and if you drink your coffee just right, can help speed you toward your weight loss goals.
Lets take a look at the weight-loss benefits of coffee, and how you can take advantage of these properties to start the process of slimming down.
Numerous studies show that drinking caffeinated coffee can help you not only lose weight, but keep it off, as well. This is because coffee suppresses the source of all weight gainthe desire to eat!
According to Mayo Clinic nutritionist, Katherine Zeratsky, caffeine suppresses hunger, but the effects dont last long. This means that a small cup of joe is the perfect antidote to those sudden cravings for snack foods and high-calorie meals. Used strategically, coffee can help you through a low-calorie diet by keeping those hunger pangs at bay at key moments.
Coffee can also give you an energy boost while dieting, helping you to feel energized rather than tired. Cutting calories can make us feel lethargic and unhappycoffee helps offset this by stimulating the brain to produce pleasure-causing chemicals.
And did you know that one serving of a caffeinated drink can raise your metabolism by as much as 8 percent, which equates to burning, approximately, an extra 174 calories per day? One study shows just this.
Your metabolism is simply the overall chemical processes which occur within your body. Here, were talking about how many calories your body expends on a daily basis. When you safely speed up your metabolism through external meanswith coffee, in this caseyou increase those outgoing calories.
Adding coffee to your day, as part of a healthy, low-calorie diet, can make losing weight so much easier, so take advantage of the power of this dark liquid!
The benefits of coffee extend beyond diet and into your exercise routine!
According to Maik Wiedenbach, owner of New Yorks Adlertraining, coffee is a powerful anti-oxidant, which is important for your recover from exercise and overall immune health. Also, coffee mobilizes free fatty acids, which can then be oxidized during exercises. So, not only does coffee help you keep going during a long stay at the gym, but it helps you recover faster afterward. Thats a win-win.
Drinking about the equivalent of a medium Americano before working out also stimulates thermogenesisthe bodys way of making heat and energy from digested food. This can cause you to burn a few extra calories as you exercise.
Aerobic exercise is the best way to begin dropping pounds, so use that caffeinated energy to jog, climb, or swim your way to fitness. This is where coffee really shinesexercises that require endurance will benefit most from caffeines energy boosting power.
So, with coffee giving you an edge in the gym or on the track, why not add it to your diet?
Now that you know the benefits of coffee, lets look at how you can integrate it into your weight-loss plan!
For the best results, you want a sustainable, long-term diet plan that uses coffee to curb cravings, boost exercise benefits, and enhance metabolism.
This is more of a lifestyle than a diet, and involves cutting down calories just enough so that you consistently lose weight over a long period of time. To do this, downsize your portions until youre eating 300-500 fewer calories per day than what you need. Most people need around 2,000 calories a day to maintain their current weight, but your exact threshold may vary, so dont be afraid to experiment!
What your diet is composed of is also vitalyoure going to need lots of protein and fiber to help you feel full and build lean muscle. Youre also going to need the nutrients of leafy, green vegetables, so try steaming some broccoli and kale, for example.
Integrate coffee into this diet by having a cup between breakfast and lunch, and between lunch and dinner, to stave off hunger and to keep you feeling great. Because your calories arent drastically cut in this kind of diet, you shouldnt feel tired or worn out, but if you do, a quick cup twice a day will leave you feeling refreshed and energized.
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A Diet For Coffee Lovers - Beliefnet
Why Body Composition is Important for Your Health – Online Athens (blog)
Physical Fitness means being well rounded and competent in all areas of fitness. That's why SPARC bases overall physical fitness on 4 Pillars. Last week, we told you about Pillar 1,Strength. Pillar 2,Body Composition,means having an appropriate amount of fat tissue, bone density, and muscle mass. Body composition affects all other aspects of physical fitness. While the affects may be subtle, they can make a huge difference in your longevity and quality of life.
There are 3 elements of body compostition to consider.
There are few resources for obtaining a total snapshot of your body composition. Conventional means such as skin calipers do not provide necessary information, such as bone density metrics and measurements of the potentially dangerous fat tissue around organs. The gold standard of body composition testing is through a DEXA Scan which uses low level xrays to give regional and overall measurements of fat tissue, bone density, and lean mass.If you are interested in receiving a DEXA Scan, please contact SPARC to schedule an appointment in our Performance Lab.
We are constantly told to lose weight and exercise, but we are rarely advised how to improve our body composition as a whole. Pursuing healthy levels of fat tissue, bone density, and muscle mass simultaneously will improve your overall health without the tradeoff of seeking one aspect of health at the cost of the others. SPARC's 4 Pillars of Health will guide your comprehensive approach, so be sure to continue visiting our posts weekly as we outline each Pillar.
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Why Body Composition is Important for Your Health - Online Athens (blog)
The secret to what keeps Alice Dixson ‘fashionably fit’ – ABS-CBN News
Alice Dixson is the epitome of the modern woman -- someone who can juggle her responsibilities as an actress, without compromising her personal health and fitness.
At 47, Alice continues to rock in daring dresses and bikinis. When asked what's the best exercise for working women like herself, Alice said 20 minutes can actually go a long way.
"You find a way to work it in like before you go to work. Best time is before you shower and get ready for work, because when you get home from work in the evening, youre gonna be too tired," she elaborates.
Alice adds that she also uses honey as sweetener instead of sugar. She also consumes more fiber than carbs, which is one of the major causes of weight gain.
"I substitute rice with vegetables and salads so instead of lots of carb-heavy food I substitute it with fiber like vegetables," she added.
Thanks to regular workouts, a healthy diet, and a dose of Kilo Off, Alice can make the most out of her beach trips this summer.
Kilo Off is a weight loss system from France with all-natural active ingredients. According to Alice, Kilo Off has been a beneficial ingredient in her fitness plan, as it serves as a "a natural appetite suppressant" that also helps her maintain good metabolism.
"Kilo Off helps me with certain cravings like if I need to lose weight for a photo shoot or I have a target of a certain weight for a fitness goal, I would take it daily and then my cravings will go away," Alice notes.
Apart from helping her lose weight, Alice says Kilo Off also helped her become "fashionably fit," keeping her in excellent shape despite her age. In fact, she testifies that Kilo Off allowed her to have a flatter tummy, curb her appetite, and lose weight -- all at the same time.
"But you always have to take Kilo Off like its not a miracle plan, you have to do your exercise, eat properly," Alice emphasized.
Available in four variants, Kilo Off promises to help you safely lose weight.
Choose from a wide variety of products: revitalizing powder drink, energizing capsule or a refreshing natural juice, and start your weight loss journey today.
Powder drink
Kilo Off powder drink is a flavored powder juice meant to supplement your diet and workout, and provide a 4-in-1 slimming action (burn fat, reduce cravings, drain water and toxins, keep a flat stomach). Just mix the powder in water, stir, and drink!
Capsule
Aimed at slimming you down by providing a 24-hour fat-burning effect, the capsule version is more focused on burning fat. Its a convenient product for people on-the-go! Just pop 1- 2 capsules before lunch and dinner.
Liquid Drink Slimming
This purple, blackcurrant-flavored drink helps to burn fat and drain water, and is perfect to drink for rapid detox after excessive eating or sudden weight gain. A bottle cap-full is perfect to drink as is or mixed with water.
Liquid Drink Flat Stomach
This orange fruity drink contains fiber that aids in digestion and helps to relieve a swollen stomach. It is perfect for those with a bloated tummy and indigestion issues. A bottle cap-full is perfect to drink as is or mixed with water.
You can even mix and match products to come up with your own weight-loss program, depending on your weight loss objectives. Just remember to space out your intake during the day and take only a maximum of 2 products per treatment period.
Kilo Off is manufactured by Laboratories Vitarmonyl in France, a leading health supplements manufacturer. It is BFAD-approved, and possesses natural ingredients not used in similar weight loss supplements to ensure a healthier route to weight loss.
It is exclusively available in selected Watsons branches nationwide. To learn more about this product, check out http://www.kilooffph.com or follow their Facebook and Instagram accounts.
NOTE: BrandNews articles are promotional features from our sponsors and not news articles from our editorial staff.
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The secret to what keeps Alice Dixson 'fashionably fit' - ABS-CBN News
Weight Loss Surgeon in Dallas Explains the Necessity of Thorough Pre- and Post-Surgical Care Services – Marketwired (press release)
Dr. Manuel Castro, Medical Director of the DFW Bariatric Institute and Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at Destiny Surgery Center, discusses the importance of access to comprehensive care and support before and after weight loss surgery
DALLAS, TX--(Marketwired - May 11, 2017) - Surgical treatments for individuals fighting severe obesity have helped thousands of people across America lose significant amounts of weight and reduce serious and life-threatening risks to their health. While the surgery itself is an important step in the treatment process, it is often only one part of a full program designed to help patients lose weight safely and support them through the physical and emotional aspects of the journey they are embarking upon. Dr. Manuel Castro, a Dallas weight loss surgeon and Medical Director of the DFW Bariatric Institute, says comprehensive care both before and after surgery is a necessary and even vital component to the overall treatment process. "Weight loss surgery provides patients with a tool to assist in modification of lifestyle. Therefore, pre- and post-operative programs that assist in lifestyle change, including diet, exercise, and eating behaviors, lead to improved long-term weight control."
The surgical weight loss program at the DFW Bariatric Institute involves a multidisciplinary approach that gives patients access to many types of assistance. Nutritionists, psychologists, dietitians, exercise specialists, experienced nurses, and bariatric surgeons themselves are all on-hand to provide patients with the guidance and support they need both before and after the surgery. Both online and in-person weight loss surgery support groups are also available through the practice to help patients meet others who are going through similar circumstances. Dr. Castro says these groups can be very helpful for patients from both an educational and an emotional perspective, allowing them to listen to others' experiences and to talk about their own. "Individual and group counseling help educate and motivate patients. In general, support group sessions provide ideas that patients can try on their own in order to fine-tune their lifestyle change."
When it comes to the pre- and post-operative periods for patients, Dr. Castro says some of the most important components include:
Dr. Castro notes that the period before surgery ultimately gives patients the opportunity to develop a greater understanding of what they can expect, and the aftercare stage is designed to assist them with safely and effectively losing weight while offering a helping hand down the challenging path of the dietary and physical changes they will need to navigate during life after weight loss surgery. In addition to these aspects of support, Dr. Castro says the importance of emotional assistance cannot be underestimated. That's one reason why access to counseling in the time before and after treatment is a standard part of the program at the DFW Bariatric Institute. "The weight loss journey provided by bariatric surgery is marked by a significant number of emotional challenges. These range from alterations in self-esteem to changes in the workplace to modifications to marriage and friendship dynamics. These challenges are best handled when emotional support is provided by an experienced professional."
Dr. Castro says individuals should understand that there are programs available to help them through every step of the process. He encourages people who are considering bariatric surgery to seek out experienced weight loss surgeons who have established thorough treatment protocols that can serve their needs before, during, and long after they have surgery in order to maximize the potential for optimal results.
About the DFW Bariatric Institute
Dr. Manuel Castro is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has performed more than 3,500 bariatric surgeries. He is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the Texas Association for Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Castro and the team of weight loss surgeons at the DFW Bariatric Institute offer a full range of bariatric surgery treatment options, including gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, and adjustable gastric banding procedures. The practice also offers advanced non-surgical treatments such as the gastric balloon and the Medical Weight Loss Program. The DFW Bariatric Institute provides an all-encompassing pre-treatment and aftercare program designed to help patients through all aspects of the weight loss process. Dr. Castro is available for interview upon request.
For more information about DFW Bariatric Institute, visit drdkim.net and https://www.facebook.com/dfwbi/.
To view the original source of this press release, click here: https://www.drdkim.net/practice-news/weight-loss-surgeon-in-dallas-explains-the-necessity-of-thorough-pre-and-post-surgical-care-services/
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Weight Loss Surgeon in Dallas Explains the Necessity of Thorough Pre- and Post-Surgical Care Services - Marketwired (press release)
Weight-loss procedure makes stomach into ‘accordion’ without surgery – Fox News
CHICAGO A new, nonsurgical weight-loss procedure which involves inserting a tube down a patient's throat and suturing the stomach is safe and effective, a new study finds.
During the procedure, which is called endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, doctors insert a long tube down a patient's esophagus to the stomach. Then, they sew "pleats" into the stomach, which makes it resemble an accordion.
The procedure reduces the volume of the stomach, so that patients feel fuller faster and therefore eat less, said lead study author Dr. Reem Sharaiha, an assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. Sharaiha presented her findings here today (May 6) at Digestive Disease Week, a scientific meeting focused on digestive diseases.
Because the procedure is "endoscopic," and thus does not involve cutting through the abdomen, the procedure is not considered surgical.
The new procedure could be a good option for people who are obese, meaning they have a BMI of 30 or higher, who either cannot undergo weight-loss surgery due to medical conditions or do not want to have surgery, Sharaiha said during a news conference in advance of her presentation. The procedure is not intended to replace other weight-loss surgery options, but rather to offer an additional, "safe and reliable, cost-effective" option, she said.
In the study, which has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, Sharaiha and her co-authors compared the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty to two options for weight loss that do involve surgery: laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic banding.
Both of those operations involve making small incisions in a person's abdomen to allow surgeons to reach the stomach. During a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, surgeons cut away a large portion of the stomach, making the organ smaller and sleeve-shaped. During a laparoscopic banding operation, surgeons wrap a band around the upper portion of the stomach (rather than cutting the organ), so that only a smaller section of the stomach is left to carry out its functions.
The new study examined 91 patients who underwent the endoscopic procedure, 120 patients who had laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and 67 patients who had a laparoscopic banding operation, Sharaiha said during the press conference.
One year later, the researchers found that the patients who had the endoscopic procedure had lost, on average, nearly 18 percent of their body weight, while laparoscopic sleeve patients lost an average of nearly 30 percent of their body weight and laparoscopic banding patients lost an average of more than 14 percent of their body weight.
The endoscopic sleeve patients lost less weight than the laparoscopic sleeve patients but had a much lower rate of complications : 1 percent compared with 10 percent, Sharaiha said. In addition, endoscopic sleeve patients were able to leave the hospital the same day of the procedure, she said. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy patients in the hospital for about three days, on average, after the operation, and laparoscopic banding patients stayed in the hospital for a day and half, on average, after the operation.
The endoscopic procedure also cost less than the laparoscopic sleeve procedure, according to the study. The endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty cost, on average, $12,000, while the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy cost $22,000 on average. The laparoscopic banding operation cost $15,000 on average.
Sharaiha noted that most the patients who underwent the endoscopic procedure had to pay out of pocket, while insurance usually covered the other operations. It's possible that this affected the results, as previous studies have shown that people are more adherent to weight-loss guidelines if the individuals need to pay for the procedures themselves, Sharaiha added.
Originally published on Live Science .
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Weight-loss procedure makes stomach into 'accordion' without surgery - Fox News