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The stigma surrounding obesity can be overwhelming, as it’s often linked to health risks. However, a new invention is hopeful to break the mold — the OSIRIS inflatable gastric balloon. Unlike standard gastric balloons, this device is adjustable, offering better control and a brighter future for people dealing with obesity.
What Is the OSIRIS Inflatable Gastric Balloon?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) engineers have devised a new type of gastric balloon that inflates on request, providing more noninvasive treatment options for people looking to lose weight.
According to Giovanni Traverso, an MIT associate professor of mechanical engineering and senior author of the study, the oscillating satiety induction and regulation intragastric system (OSIRIS) inflatable balloon can expand and contract on demand to make people feel fuller before meals. An inflatable gastric balloon with OSIRIS simply means it can be inflated and deflated, compared to traditional balloons, which stay the same size in the stomach.
“Gastric balloons do work initially. Historically, the balloon is associated with weight loss. However, the weight gain continues the same trajectory,” he says. The balloons come in two designs — a standard balloon that inflates and deflates and a mechanical instrument with four arms that extend outward and push against an elastic polymer shell, pressing against the stomach wall.
Obesity remains a prevailing problem in the U.S. In 2023, all states and regions had an obesity prevalence higher than 20% — more than one in five adults. This study and invention aim to help obese people lose weight and achieve longer-lasting effects.
What Are the Benefits of OSIRIS?
Research has found that it reduced food intake by 60%, underscoring its potential as a long-term weight loss solution. Experimentation took a month, but MIT engineers plan to explore its effects on long-term eating habits and weight loss patterns.
“The OSIRIS is an exciting advancement and has the potential to outperform static stimulation in avoiding gastric accommodation, making it a worthy subject for continued examination,” states the research study.
Animal studies found that the mechanical-arm instrument version fills the stomach effectively, but researchers preferred to pursue the balloon option instead, noting it was a safer choice in the long run.
Research lead author Neil Zixun Jia shared that it’s ideal for patients with limited options, including those who cannot tolerate certain medications or undergo surgery.
“Traditional gastric balloons are still being used, but they come with a caveat that ultimately the weight loss can plateau, so this is a way to address that fundamental limitation.”
How Are OSIRIS Inflatable Gastric Balloons Inserted?
Unlike the traditional gastric balloon — inserted by swallowing the rolled-up device at the end of a small tube or catheter — the OSIRIS balloon is implanted through an incision in the abdominal wall. It connects to a small, skin-attached controller with a pump that inflates and deflates the balloon as needed. The insertion process is similar to placing a feeding tube into a patient’s stomach.
Other Weight Management Solutions
There are other scientifically proven ways to help you achieve your weight-loss goals besides the OSIRIS inflatable gastric balloon. Talking with your physician is the best way to start your journey. As you prepare for that conversation, here are solutions to think about.
Diet and Exercise
A well-balanced diet and an active lifestyle are crucial to achieving your goal. Your doctor can help create a personalized plan. Starting your fitness journey means starting small — instead of introducing strenuous exercises, you begin with low-impact routines like walking. Strolling every morning for 30 minutes can help lower stress levels and boost your sleeping habits.
Your exercise and diet needs will depend on your age and weight. For instance, an active 30-year-old man requires 2,400 calories a day on average. Swapping unhealthy choices with fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help you achieve your goals faster.
Bariatric Surgery
This solution is recommended when diet and exercise are ineffective or for people with chronic weight-related issues, such as heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes. Bariatric surgery isn’t for everyone. You’ll need to undergo an extensive screening process to qualify.
If you qualify for this program, your doctor will provide specific instructions to prepare for the surgery. You need to limit your fat consumption — which may result in further weight gain — and refrain from using tobacco.
Weight-Loss Medications
A commonly prescribed medication includes GLP-1 receptor agonist injections like semaglutide, an FDA-approved solution for people with obesity aged 12 years or more. Tirzepatide, liraglutide, phentermine and orlistat are other options for decreasing body weight.
A New Hope for Weight Loss
The OSIRIS inflatable gastric balloon provides a potentially life-changing option for people with obesity, especially for those looking for noninvasive options. Aside from these, there are more options to consider that will help you achieve your weight goals. Make sure to discuss them with your physician.
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Author
Jack Shaw is a senior writer at Modded. Jack is an avid enthusiast for keeping up with personal health and enjoying nature. He has over five years of experience writing in the men's lifestyle niche, and has written extensively on topics of fitness, exploring the outdoors and men's interests. His writings have been featured in SportsEd TV, Love Inc., and Offroad Xtreme among many more publications.
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