<s>[INST] Is a gastric balloon a good treatment option for obesity? [/INST] Intragastric balloons have been approved for the treatment of obesity. It is a minimally invasive technique with short-term effectiveness in terms of achieving moderate weight loss of 10–20 kg. It involves using an endoscope to introduce a silicone balloon in the stomach containing 400 to 900 mL of physiological saline solution, depending on the manufacturer. The balloon is left in place for approximately 6 months. It has a restrictive mode of action because the device occupies space in the stomach, reducing its capacity and therefore producing an early feeling of fullness and decreasing appetite. Once the balloon is removed, it is vital the patient changes their lifestyle habits to avoid regaining the weight. However, the rate of weight recovery, while it depends on when the parameter is evaluated, is over 50% 1 year after removing the gastric balloon. Side effects occur frequently. Nausea and vomiting affect 70–90% of patients, while other complaints include abdominal discomfort and constipation.

At present, balloons are used as an adjuvant therapy when the patient does not wish to undergo or is ineligible for bariatric surgery, or as an initial weight loss treatment in patients with a high surgical risk. Bear in mind that, in Spain, the treatment is not paid for by the social security, so it may cost a lot depending on the centre where it is carried out. Source: Clinic Barcelona. Link: https://www.clinicbarcelona.org/en/assistance/diseases/obesity/frequent-asked-questions. Field: Endocrinology. Disease: Obesity </s>