Though physical activity and dietary changes have been advocated as first-line treatments for obesity, the low efficacy and poor acceptance create a demand for alternate treatment options.
Large-scale urbanization in India has brought significant changes in lifestyle and dietary habits in the population leading to a surge in lifestyle disorders such as obesity. Obesity affects individuals in many ways, including reduced physical ability and negative impacts on mental health.
It also increases the risk of developing other serious conditions like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart problems, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, sleep apnea, and even cancer in various organs.
It is highly concerning to see the recent statistics in India related to obesity and its negative effects on overall health. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4A), a government health survey, found that the number of overweight men in the country has doubled over the past decade.
In case of women, one in every five women is now overweight (20%). While the maximum cases of morbidly obese patients were found among the urban upper- and middle-class families, the rural population also contributed a significant 15% of the total cases of obesity.
Given these concerning trends, finding the gastroenterologist best suited for personalized care and treatment is becoming increasingly important.
Endoscopy Treatment and the Advent of Endoscopic Weight Loss Procedure
The goal of obesity treatment is to reduce weight so as to achieve physical well-being and reduce obesity-related complications. Ten per cent reduction in total body weight (10 kg in a person weighing 100kg) has been found to be associated with improvement in diabetes, hypertension and lipid levels.
Losing excess body weight can further decrease obesity-related complications. A multidisciplinary team, including a nutritionist, psychologist, endoscopist, and surgeon, works together to support individuals with obesity and help them achieve a healthier life.
Although lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments are recommended as initial approaches for obesity, they often show limited effectiveness and face poor acceptance, creating a significant demand for alternative obesity treatments.
Consulting a gastroenterologist can provide insights into more advanced and specialized obesity treatments.
Bariatric surgery has proven to be an effective treatment for achieving and maintaining long-term weight loss. The success in sustaining long-term weight loss and resolving obesity-associated comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension is notably significant.
Despite being a very effective tool, only 1 percent of eligible patients undergo bariatric surgery. Therefore, there is an ongoing need for procedures that are both efficacious and well-accepted.
In this context, endoscopic procedures, guided by the best gastroenterologists, have made significant strides in obesity treatment and may offer a valuable alternative.
Intra-Gastric Ballooning (IGB)
An intragastric balloon is an effective tool for losing extra body weight. IGB is a non-surgical procedure performed under sedation. An endoscopic camera known as a gastroscope is inserted through the mouth into the stomach to facilitate intragastric balloon placement.
Once inside the stomach, the balloon is filled with a sterile saline solution (500 – 750 mL) through a small filling tube attached to the balloon, which is then gently removed. Because of its weight, the balloon leads to early satiety and reduced calorie intake, helping to achieve around 10 percent of total body weight loss (TBWL).
Many patients find that they can reduce or even stop insulin and oral medications for controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and bad lipids.
The total endoscopic procedure, including intragastric balloon placement and adjustment of the balloon, can be performed within 25-30 minutes, and the patient can be discharged either the same day or the next day. The procedure is highly effective and generally has no significant serious side effects.
For optimal results, it’s essential to consult with the best gastroenterologist who specializes in endoscopic procedures. The Gastric Balloon is placed in the stomach for 6-12 months and removed endoscopically thereafter. For the removal, the catheter attached to the balloon is pulled out, the balloon is deflated, grasped, and removed through the mouth.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)
ESG is a new endoscopic procedure effective in controlling body weight by reducing the stomach size. Performed under anaesthesia, this procedure does not require a skin incision. Instead, a scope is passed down the throat into the stomach, where sutures are applied to reduce its size and limit food intake.
Before the endoscopic procedure, endoscopy of the upper GI tract may be performed to assess the overall health of the gastrointestinal system and ensure the suitability of the patient for ESG. After the endoscopic procedure, patients experience early satiety due to the reduced stomach size, leading to lower calorie intake and effective weight loss. This approach has a positive impact on patients by managing comorbid conditions and facilitating significant weight loss.
The ESG procedure is not only minimally invasive but also highly safe and effective for weight reduction. Patients typically require a 48-hour hospital stay and are discharged shortly thereafter. Large studies have established the safety and efficacy of these procedures, with expected weight loss around 20 percent of total body weight, which helps control and reduce obesity-related comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, sleep apnoea, and osteoarthritis.
To ensure the best outcomes and safety, the ESG procedure should be performed by a gastroenterologist with specialized expertise, preferably in a center equipped to handle obesity and in a multidisciplinary setting that provides optimized post-procedure care.
Consulting the best gastroenterologist can make a significant difference in achieving successful results.
With advances in endoscopic technology, a new dimension has been effectively added to the management of obesity, aligning with the goals of modern science.
Conclusion
Obesity is a growing concern, and while traditional methods have their place, advanced endoscopic treatments like Intra-Gastric Ballooning (IGB) and Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) offer effective alternatives.
To ensure the best results, it’s crucial to consult with the best gastroenterologist in Delhi. Their expertise in these advanced techniques can significantly enhance your treatment experience and outcomes, paving the way for a healthier future.
FAQs
Q- What are advanced endoscopic procedures for obesity?
A- Advanced endoscopic procedures like Intra-Gastric Ballooning (IGB) and Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) help with weight loss through minimally invasive techniques. Consult the best gastroenterologist to know more about these weight loss solutions.
Q- How does Intra-Gastric Ballooning (IGB) aid weight loss?
A- IGB involves placing a balloon in the stomach to create a feeling of fullness, reducing calorie intake and leading to about 10% weight loss. Consult the best gastroenterologist to learn how this advanced procedure can benefit you.
Q- What is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)?
A- ESG is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces stomach size using sutures, helping with significant weight loss and improved management of obesity-related conditions. Consult the best gastroenterologist to explore this advanced treatment option.
Q- How long does an endoscopic obesity procedure take?
A- Endoscopic obesity procedures like Intra-Gastric Ballooning and Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty typically take around 25-30 minutes.
Q- What are the advantages of endoscopic obesity treatments over traditional methods?
A- Endoscopic obesity treatments are less invasive, involve shorter recovery times, and carry fewer risks compared to traditional surgeries. They effectively aid in weight loss with minimal disruption to daily life.
Q- When is endoscopy required for obesity?
A- Endoscopy is required for obesity when traditional methods like diet and exercise are insufficient, and a more specialized approach is needed to achieve significant weight loss and manage related health conditions.
Q- How do I find the best gastroenterologist in Delhi for endoscopic obesity treatments?
A- To find the best gastroenterologist in Delhi for endoscopic obesity treatments, seek a specialist with extensive experience and a proven track record. Dr. Vikas Singla is renowned for his expertise in advanced obesity treatments.