This US study of 185 obese patients did show that they lost ~ 7% of body weight ( 2/3 losing at least 5% ), compared to 181 " controls " who lost ~ 3.5% ( 1/3 losing at least 5% ). Both groups had help from dieticians.


Using balloons with nitrogen gas ( no laughing matter ) is new, but fluid-filled balloons have been tried previously.


Bariatric surgery ( stomach bands / bypass / partial removal ), and perhaps in future bariatric endoscopy ( with balloons ), are for people who are seriously overweight ( BMI 40+, or less if they also have diabetes / other illness ).


Such surgery may dramatically affect type 2 diabetes - allowing other treatments to be stopped, as well as losing weight. Of the ~ 400 million worldwide with diabetes, less than half control their blood sugar properly by changing diet / exercise / drugs. Weight loss surgery may be cheaper than treating all future health problems of uncontrolled diabetes.


We know the world’s population is getting heavier ( http://bit.ly/20BOWXa ), and preventing the increase is proving hard. For MOST obese people, lifestyle change, diet and increased physical activity are still the way to lose weight - with all the resulting health benefits. Drug treatment / surgical management may be tried for the rest.


It doesn’t help when medical " experts " disagree on the best ways to lose weight. In the UK , the " National Obesity Forum " suggests eating fat, and " ignoring calories ", could help cut obesity and diabetes. " Public Health England ", and others, focus on " fewer calories, less fat and sugar ". No wonder there is confusion .

The best advice is probably still " moderation in all things " .