Swallowable balloons could help with weight loss without surgery

Paris

WEIGHT-LOSS balloons that are swallowed rather than surgically inserted in the stomach have been found safe and effective in preliminary trials, attendees at a medical conference heard on Thursday.

Intragastric balloons have been used for decades to help obese patients shed unwanted kilos. Inflated with water, the devices curb hunger and make it easier to diet by inducing a feeling of fullness.

But up to now, they could only be…