Background

Initial mean BMI in previous studies with Allurion® Gastric balloon (GB) ranges from 30.6 to 36.2kg/m2. Outcomes in patients with BMI ≥ 40kg/m2 are not well investigated. We aim to compare the weight loss outcomes in patients with BMI < or ≥ 40kg/m2.

Methods

Data on demographics, baseline weight, and BMI were collected from 232 patients at a single center between 2016 and 2022. Outcomes included weight loss (kg) and total body weight loss (%TBWL) at 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 52 weeks, premature extraction, inability to place balloon and follow-up rates.

Results

Mean age and BMI were 42.6±10.3 years, and 37.6±7.2kg/m2 respectively. Mean time to balloon passage was 119.6±12.1 days. Premature extraction was noted in 3.4% and inability to place balloon in 0.4% of patients respectively. Mean %TBWL at 4-,8-,12-,16-,20-,24-, and 52-week were 8.2%, 11.5%, 13.9%, 15.9%, 18.1%, 18.4%, and 17%, respectively. On subgroup analysis, the follow-up rates were 83.2% and 88.5% at 16 weeks and 48.9% and 40% at 52 weeks in BMI<40 and BMI≥40 groups, respectively. Mean weight loss (kg) was greater in patients with BMI≥40 at 4- (8.1±2.8 vs.11.7±3.7, p<0.0001), 8- (10.9±4 vs.16.6±5.9, p<0.0001), 12- (13.2±4.8 vs.20.1±7.1, p<0.0001), 16- (15.2±5.5 vs.23.4±8.6, p<0.0001), 24- (17.3±6.3 vs.27.7±8.5, p<0.0001) and 52 weeks (15.9±8.0 vs.29.4±23.3, p=0.002). Mean %TBWL was greater in patients with BMI≥40 at 12- (13.3±4.1 vs.15.0±4.3), 16- (15.4±4.9 vs.17.1±5.1) and 24 weeks (17.7±5.3 vs.20.5±4.8, p=0.0014).

Conclusions

This is the first study to analyze outcomes within BMI subgroups. Allurion® GB is very effective for patients with BMI ≥40kg/m2