Advertisement
Researchers claim they’ve found significant weight loss success in a treatment that involves swallowing tiny balloons.
According to Women’s Health, Obalon, a prescription pill that has a small balloon attached, has reportedly proven to be effective in helping people lose weight.
As the magazine explains, Obalon is a tiny capsule attached to a tube that allows doctors to pump a nitrogen-mixed gas into each balloon.
Since each balloon hold about one cup of gas, you can swallow up to three over a three-month period.
While the doctor removes the tube, the gas-filled balloon remains in your stomach to take up space and help you feel fuller sooner whenever you eat.
After about six months, the balloons are removed and, if they work, you’ll feel a few pounds lighter.
Although Obalon has already been approved in Europe, researchers in the U.S. are still waiting for approval from the Food and Drug Administration.
In one particular U.S. trial, the pill actually helped obese patients lose up to 7 percent of their body weight in just six months.
It’s important to note that Obalon does come with a few side effects—cramping, abdominal pain, and nausea—but it could be a viable option for anybody struggling to lose weight.
In general, gastric balloons like Obalon are only recommended for those with BMIs between 30 and 40, so this isn’t a quick trick for somebody looking to shed a couple of pounds.
