Amid increasing obesity rates, Musgrove Park Hospital has introduced a unique weight-loss solution: a swallowable gastric pill containing a balloon that expands in the stomach. Developed by Allurion, the pill is inserted non-invasively and filled with water to reduce stomach volume, aiding weight loss.
While this approach is pioneering for the NHS, its use remains limited in Germany due to differing guidelines. However, gastric balloons are used there to support conservative therapies and as a preparatory measure for bariatric surgery. The effectiveness of the swallowable balloon has been demonstrated in studies, showing significant weight loss without the need for surgery or anaesthesia. Yet, some experts caution that weight may be regained upon removal, and its cost-effectiveness compared to surgery is debated. Despite this, the swallowable gastric balloon presents a promising option for obesity treatment, especially for patients unresponsive to other interventions.