Looking into the profile of those who succeed in losing weight with an intragastric balloon.

BACKGROUND: Weight loss by means of an intragastric balloon is an advantageous procedure, as usage of such a balloon is minimally invasive and of minimal operational risk. Nevertheless, despite the encouraging results referred in to large population studies, its success rate as a treatment option is still questionable. The aim of this study was to classify and analyze all parameters recorded in a database of a treatment protocol concerning obese individuals handled by an intragastric balloon, in an attempt to delineate the comparable profile of those who succeeded to lose weight and those who failed. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Retrospective data collection, including demographic and anthropometric data, social and psychological factors, educational status, and attendance at sessions and the exercise program, was conducted. Using as a criterion for grouping the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), the successful (%EWL ≥50%) and the poor (%EWL ≤20%) responders were identified. RESULTS: In total, 583 patients were assessed. Initial and ideal body weight (BW), initial body mass index (BMI), and excess weight were significantly lower in the %EWL ≥50% group (P<.001). Upon balloon removal, both groups exhibited a significant difference regarding BW, BW lost, BMI, and %EWL (P<.001). Advanced age (odds ratio [OR]=1.06; P<.001), female gender (OR=3.31; P<.001), basic educational level (OR=3.12; P<.001), and single or divorced marital status (OR=6.00; P<.001) were identified as the most powerful determinants of %EWL ≥50%. Moreover, attendance at more than four monthly interviews and strict exercise program commitment contributed significantly to a favorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings could serve as an initial step for further research into factors possibly contributing to the early identification of those individuals who will notably benefit from usage of an intragastric balloon regarding BW loss.

The impact of weight loss on depression status in obese individuals subjected to intragastric balloon treatment.

BACKGROUND: Although depression is considered to be significantly related to morbid obesity disorder, no information exists on the evolution of depression status after weight loss, in particular when an intragastric balloon is used. This prospective 6-month study examines both the effect on depression status and the relation of weight loss to depression in morbidly obese patients treated by intragastric balloon. METHODS: One hundred consecutive females fulfilling criteria for balloon treatment were assessed for depression and divided into two groups (65 depressed, 35 non-depressed). Obesity-related parameters were comparable. RESULTS: During the treatment period, the depression status of the mildly, moderately, and severely depressed patients improved from 40, 32.3, and 27.7 % to 20, 7.7, and 1.5 %, respectively, with 70.8 % finally exhibiting no depression at all. During the same period, body weight, BMI, body fat, and excess weight loss (EWL) were comparable between all groups, the range of BMI affecting neither the depression score nor the reduction of obesity parameters. However, there was a significant [percentage of EWL >30] weight loss difference in favor of those who were less severely depressed initially. CONCLUSION: The degree of weight loss observed in obese depressed females-being comparable to that achieved by non-depressed females-after intragastric balloon insertion was found to positively affect their depression status.