Balloons Can Help You Lose Weight with This New FDA-Approved Treatment

Sure, exercise and a balanced diet can help keep off the pounds, but there's a new FDA-approved treatment that involves swallowing balloons (yep, you read that right!) to help those who struggle with losing weight the traditional way.

Enter the Obalon Balloon System, which the FDA just approved as the only swallowable and sustainable weight loss device in the United States. Available in select markets in January 2017, the non-surgical, non-invasive treatment involves swallowing three capsules that each contain a lightweight balloon, which is then inflated to about the size of a small orange. Since the balloons take up space in the stomach, patients end up consuming less food and — you guessed it — losing weight in the process.

Curious about the time commitment? The balloon treatment takes six months to complete: the pills are taken gradually over the span of three months, and the balloons are removed through an outpatient endoscopic procedure. You can still move around and exercise as normal, and there's typically no down time after each balloon capsule is consumed and inflated.

As far as results, a clinical study revealed that Obalon patients lost an average of 15 pounds and up to 50 pounds when combined with a good diet and exercise; nearly 90% of patients also maintained their weight loss after one year.

The treatment cost ranges from $6,000 to $9,000; in addition to the balloons and removal, while the program includes 12-month nutritional support.

Will you be trying this new FDA-approved weight loss treatment? Share your thoughts in the comments!