Metabolic parameters after BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon placement in obese patients

Background: BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon (BIB (R)) is a non-invasive, temporary and relatively safe procedure shown to be effective in the short-term treatment of obesity. Nowadays, BIB (R) does not show convincing evidence of significant long-term weight loss, as compared with conventional management, and data regarding changes in metabolic and nutritional parameters are lacking. Methods: Forty obese patients [11 males, 29 females, age 36.65 +/- 10.6 yr, body mass index (BMI) 44.9 +/- 8.9 kg/m(2)] were evaluated before and 3 and 6 months after BIB (R) placement by assessment of anthropometric and biochemical parameters as well as nutritional habits. Results: Patients showed a significant reduction in weight (-13.2 +/- 6.5%), BMI (-13.2%), waist circumference (-6.5 cm), and percentage of fat mass (-19.5%), but not fat-free mass. A significant improvement in insulin sensitivity but not in lipid pattern was seen. After BIB (R) insertion, a significant reduction in caloric intake was paralleled by a redistribution of nutrients; in particular, increased lipid (12.8%) and decreased carbohydrate (-11.7%) percentage, but not absolute intake was observed. Conclusion: These data show that BIB (R) improves anthropometric parameters, with reduction of fat mass and preservation of fat-free mass, as well as insulin resistance, but not other metabolic features. The observed change in dietary habits, with a relative increase in lipid intake, once BIB (R) is removed, might favor body weight regain and impact negatively on body weight composition and the other traits of the metabolic syndrome. (J. Endocrinol. Invest. 32: 165-168, 2009) (C) 2009, Editrice Kurtis