Elipse Intragastric Balloon: Safe, Effective, and Tolerable for Weight Loss, Obesity

The procedureless Elipse intragastric balloon (EIGB) is a safe and effective alternative to surgery for weight loss and obesity, with minimal side effects, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology.

Unlike other available endoscopic balloons, the Elipse balloon (Allurion Technologies, Wellesley, MA) does not require placement by an endoscopist but rather is swallowed and then spontaneously excreted around 16 weeks. By not requiring hospitalization for placement and retrieval, overall associated costs should decrease; however, large clinical studies are lacking. Thus, researchers performed a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effects of the EIGB on weight loss, waist circumference, metabolic profile, tolerability, and adverse events.

Seven studies were identified involving 2152 patients with a mean baseline body mass index ranging from 32.1 to 38.6 kg/m². Patients were aged 18 to 65 years.

The pooled mean difference in body mass index was determined to be 0.88 kg/m², total body weight loss was 12%, and excess body weight loss was 49.1%. The mean difference in waist circumference was 0.89 cm, and mean difference in triglyceride levels was 0.66 mg/dL. While the pooled early deflation rate was 1.8%, the study showed that the Elipse balloon was associated with fewer adverse events when compared with other intragastric balloons.

Study authors acknowledge limitations to their review. The performed meta-analysis did not examine risk factors for obesity such as nutrition. Additionally, long-term effects of EIGB were not assessed. 

“In conclusion, our systematic review and meta-analysis shows that the EIGB is an effective alternative to surgery for obesity and weight loss,” stated the authors. “In addition, our study showed that the Elipse balloon reduces waist circumference and triglyceride levels and associated with less adverse events when compared with other IGBs,” they added.

Disclosure: Some study authors declared affiliations with biotech, pharmaceutical, and/or device companies. Please see the original reference for a full list of authors’ disclosures. 

Reference

Ramai D, Singh J, Mohan BP, et al. Influence of the elipse intragastric balloon on obesity and metabolic profile. a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Gastroenterol.  2021;55(10):836-841. doi: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000001484

This article originally appeared on Gastroenterology Advisor