New Weight Loss Solution: An Implantable Device That Reduces Appetite

Obesity, which affects more than one-third of the US population, is now considered as a chronic disease, and not just an overweight problem. The number of obese individuals in other industrialized nations is also rapidly increasing, making scientists and doctors search for more ways to solve the problem. Although most doctors would advise their overweight patients to lose weight by eating a healthy, balanced diet with fewer calories and fat, exercising more, and improving their lifestyles, many obese individuals find it difficult to achieve these goals through these conservative methods alone. Furthermore, those who have a severe obesity problem or those who are moderately obese but are suffering from obesity-related medical problems may need more aggressive methods to lose excess weight more efficiently.

Solutions for Morbid Obesity

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies obesity into three grades, according to body mass index (BMI). BMI is a rough measure of body fat based on the ratio of one's height to his/her weight. A person who has a normal weight-to-height proportion has a BMI between 20-25 kg/m². People who have a BMI of up to 29.9 are classified as overweight, and those who have BMI values above that are obese. However, with a BMI of more than 40, one would be considered morbidly (or severely) obese.

Even moderately obese and some overweight people with genetic tendencies or poor lifestyle habits are at risk for these diseases, which include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, cancer, and more. Unfortunately, even the best weight loss programs only work for a few obese people. It is estimated that less than 5% of obese individuals achieve long-term success. The National Institutes of Health also reports that most (> 90%) participants of weight loss programs regain their weight within a year. Many have a tendency to move from diet to diet ("yo-yo" dieting) and subject their bodies to severe cycles of weight loss and weight gain. Weight-loss medications to reduce appetite and lower cholesterol levels are prescribed by some practitioners, but these may have limited use, especially when side effects occur. Some doctors recommend weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) especially for the morbidly obese, and although effective for some, other patients cannot tolerate such as procedure, which also carries some risks to their life.

New Treatment Option for Morbid Obesity

Scientists have recently introduced a new option for treating morbid obesity that cannot be improved by other weight-loss methods. 

It works by blocking nerve impulses from the brain to the stomach through the vagus nerve, which regulates many functions of the digestive system.

See Also: Obesity Epidemics And How To Stop Them

In this treatment method, a minimally invasive procedure that carries fewer risks is involved, since the device is inserted beneath the skin near the stomach below the ribs. Doctors can customize its settings to suit the individual's needs in controlling his feelings of hunger and fullness. These settings can be adjusted, and the device may be deactivated and reactivated if desired, or removed if needed.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of VBLOC

VBLOC has recently received positive feedback from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel (Gastroenterology and Urology Devices Panel), which brings it closer to approval. According to majority of its members, the benefits of the new implant, which is designed to curb one's appetite by electrically stimulating the stomach nerves, outweigh its possible risks.

A study involving 200 morbidly obese participants in the US and Australia evaluated the effects of using the Maestro System versus that of a fake device for one year.

While the participants who received fake implants regained most of the weight they lost within the next six months, those who had the real Maestro device were able to sustain their weight loss. Only about 4% of those who used these implants suffered a health problem related to the device.

Many doctors often recommend bariatric surgery for severely obese patients who cannot successfully lose weight by altering their diets and lifestyles. People who are moderately obese but have medical problems related to their weight problem are also offered this option to reduce their risk of complications. However, this type of weight-loss strategy involves a more invasive method, which carries more risks than the VBLOC method. It also affects one's diet and lifestyle because it severely restricts the amount and type of foods they can eat to avoid side effects and complications, such as nutritional deficiency.

With VBLOC therapy, a device that is implanted close to the skin (subcutaneous) simply causes blocking of vagal nerve signals, which helps patients control their hunger sensations and experience early fullness with meals. What happens is that stomach contractions after food intake are slowed down, therefore preventing rapid breakdown and emptying of food from the stomach. It also results in blocking the production of digestive enzymes, thus prolonging the feeling of fullness. This helps people to eat less, but allows them to eat healthy foods without restrictions as to the type of foods they want to eat. Of course, physicians advise them about healthy eating to make the therapy work.

The minimally invasive procedure takes only about 1½ hours to perform and is considered relatively safe. However, as with other minor procedures, it may also carry some risks such as device malfunction, allergic reaction, surgical revision, and device movement. Nerve damage, injury, infection, and pain are also possible. Side effects may include heartburn, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and depression.

See Also: The Stigma Of Obesity: Does It Make Losing Weight Harder Or Easier?

Successful Weight Loss Strategies

The diet must include nutrient-dense, but low calorie, high fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables, and less sugary and fatty foods. Physical activity must also be an important part of weight management. Being less sedentary and being more physically active reduces not only weight, but also one's risk of disease. Studies show that people who engage in regular physical activity are less likely to have diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Finally, lifestyle modifications should include avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, stress management, and getting more sleep. These factors have been shown to increase one's chances of maintaining a successful weight-loss strategy, so one must not depend on one mode of treatment to be a cure-all method for keeping off excess pounds.