New Study Revealed Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty's Safety and Eficacy in Class III Obesity
In the ever-evolving landscape of weight loss interventions, a groundbreaking study sheds light on the effectiveness of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) as a safe and durable option for individuals grappling with class III obesity (BMI ≥40kg/m2). The research, conducted by a collaborative team of US and Brazilian researchers, presents compelling evidence of the procedure’s efficacy, challenging the conventional reliance on surgical approaches for weight loss in this demographic.
The study, encompassing 404 adults with a mean age of 42.9 years, unveils a remarkable journey of weight loss and health improvements among participants. ESG, performed with a 100% technical success rate, showcased a mean total body weight loss (TBWL) of 12.5% at three months, escalating to an impressive 20.9% at the 12-month mark. This positive trend persisted at 36 months, highlighting the durability of the intervention. The excess weight loss (EWL) and BMI reductions followed a similar trajectory, underlining the consistent impact of ESG over time.
Crucially, the study delves into the realm of comorbidity improvements associated with obesity. Participants, who entered the study burdened by conditions such as hypertension (35.4%), type II diabetes (17.8%), and hyperlipidemia (16.8%), experienced notable relief. Sixty-six percent witnessed an improvement in hypertension, 61.7% in type II diabetes, and 45.1% in hyperlipidemia over the study duration.
The safety profile of ESG is a cornerstone of the findings. With a meticulous approach using the OverStitch Endoscopic Suturing System, the procedure boasted a 0.5% overall adverse event rate and a mere 0.2% serious adverse event rate. This outstanding safety record positions ESG as a compelling option for those seeking weight loss interventions.
The study’s authors emphasize the importance of experienced practitioners and a comprehensive aftercare program for optimal results. Patients underwent self-financed ESGs at True You Weight Loss (Cary, NC) and Clinica Angioskope (Sao Paulo, Brazil), with procedures performed by experts in endoscopic bariatric therapies. A rigorous lifestyle program, coupled with long-term nutritional support and monitoring, reinforced the weight loss achieved through ESG.
The implications of this study are profound. The authors assert that ESG, when combined with a prescribed nutritional program, should be offered to patients with class III obesity. In the face of the global obesity burden and limited accessible therapeutic options, ESG emerges as a beacon of hope. The study advocates for further exploration, urging research to assess improvements in associated medical problems, the impact of combination ESG-pharmacotherapy, and direct comparisons with traditional bariatric surgeries.
In conclusion, the study, titled ‘Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty in class III obesity: Efficacy, safety, and durability outcomes in 404 consecutive patients,’ published in the World Journal Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, propels ESG into the spotlight as a transformative tool in the management of class III obesity. As we navigate the complexities of weight loss, ESG stands as a testament to innovation, providing a viable and appealing option for individuals on their journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.