Anyone who has struggled with losing weight understand the frustrating process, but a new non-surgical procedure might finally provide a successful solution to weight loss. The technique is still in the preliminary phase of the study, however, findings suggest that it might have strong potentials to beat obesity.
The procedure is called bariatric artery embolization (BAE) and it is being done for the Bariatric Embolization of Arteries for the Treatment of Obesity (BEAT Obesity) clinical trial, per the Society of Interventional Radiology press release. Initial results show that at least 13 percent of the participants in the study lost some significant weight after six months so far, but further studies are still being undertaken to determine its long-term results.
What is bariatric artery embolization (BAE) and how can it aid in weight loss?
BAE involves the use of injectable beads that work to restrict the flow of blood in the stomach. This limits the development of ghrelin, a type of hormone that triggers hunger pangs. BAE is different from bariatric surgery because the process requires less fuss and minimizes bleeding and infection. It only involves inserting a catheter into the artery through the groin or arms to facilitate the injection of the microscopic beads, per UPI.
How is BAE different from gastric surgery procedure for weight loss?
"Compared to a surgical gastric bypass procedure, BAE is significantly less invasive and has a much shorter recovery time," said study author Clifford Weiss of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, per Eurekalert. It should be noted that doctors are already making use of the embolization technique during emergency situations involving stomach bleedings. Previous studies have shown that patients who have undergone this process presented significant weight loss and this is why the study would like to prove the hypothesis. Can this replace weight loss surgeries in the future?
#SIR16VAN @JohnsHopkinsIR @GokeIRDoc presenting on revascularization after BAE #bariatricembolization pic.twitter.com/AF2U5x66HO
— Clifford R Weiss, MD (@DrCliffWeiss) April 3, 2016
What are the limitations of BAE in relation to weight loss?
However, an obesity experts said it might be too early to conclude that BAE can successfully treat obesity given the small scale of the trial. Dr. Bruce Wolfe of the Obesity Society wonder how often the injections must be done to ensure weight loss and if this could pose risks later. But he also acknowledged the efforts of the study experts led by Weiss. "This is a world-class medical center looking at an innovative approach to weight loss," he said, per UPI.
