Largest Study to Date Highlights Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) Facilitates an Average Weight Loss of >20% for Adults with Class III Obesity

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), an endoscopic, incisionless procedure for people living with obesity, has been shown to be a safe and effective therapy for Class III obesity, reports a new study published in World Journal of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. This study led by True You Weight Loss evaluated the data of over 400 patients who underwent ESG between May of 2018 and March of 2022.

These findings represent the largest study to date of ESG in patients with class III obesity, meaning a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40kg/m² or higher, and the results demonstrated successful and durable total body weight loss exceeding 20% through three years of follow-up.

ESG is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces the overall size of the stomach and changes the rate of gastric emptying to promote long-term weight loss, resulting in a meaningful impact on obesity-related comorbidities. Dr. Christopher McGowan, who served as principal investigator for the study, says the findings are significant for patients who have higher BMIs but don’t want to undergo major surgery. “ESG bridges the gap between surgery and lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise — providing an effective alternative for the millions of Americans battling obesity. Now, patients who do not want traditional bariatric surgery can achieve impactful and lasting health benefits through this less invasive, lower-risk procedure,” he said.

The study also found:

• Participants’ average weight loss was 20.9% (of total body weight) at 12 months, 20.5% at 24 months, and 20.3% at 36 months. This demonstrates the long-term durability of ESG.
• 96.7% of patients lost at least 10% of their body weight – a key metabolic threshold; More than half (55.6%) lost greater than 20% of their body weight.
• Study participants demonstrated significant improvements in obesity-related comorbidities. Hypertension, type II diabetes, and hyperlipidemia improved in 66.1%, 61.7%, and 45.1% of affected patients, respectively.
• This study demonstrated an extremely high safety profile for ESG with an adverse event rate of 0.3%.
• The data from this study contributed to the FDA authorization for Apollo ESG™ as an option for adults with a BMI up to 50kg/m².

Dr. Daniel Maselli, lead author of the study explains the significance of this research. “This study not only demonstrates the effectiveness of ESG for long-term weight loss and its impact on obesity-related diseases, but it also proves ESG to be a safe option for this patient population. Every medical procedure, even those that are minimally invasive, has some degree of risk – particularly in patients with higher BMI. As a bariatric endoscopist, it is very reassuring to see no major complications for the 400+ patients who underwent an ESG procedure in this study,” he said.

For a detailed overview of this study, its status, and outcomes, visit the dedicated study page.

About True You Weight Loss, PLLC

Founded by Dr. Christopher McGowan, True You Weight Loss, PLLC is the nation’s first dedicated endobariatric weight loss center. True You Weight Loss offers a comprehensive range of endobariatric procedures and support services to help patients lose weight, including endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), bariatric revisional procedures, intragastric balloon placement, medical nutrition therapy. To learn more, visit www.trueyouweightloss.com or follow True You on Facebook and Instagram.

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