Endoscopic Treatments for Obesity: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Abstract

In the current setting of an obesity pandemic, there is an urgent need for minimally invasive, safe, and effective interventions for weight loss. Endoscopic bariatric procedures have been developed as an alternative to more traditional medical and surgical therapies. Multiple options are undergoing evaluation or are already available for clinical use. This review aims to describe these treatments, including their mechanisms of action, efficacy, safety and the knowledge gaps regarding their use.

Keywords: Bariatric; Endoscopy; Intragastric balloon; Obesity; Sleeve gastroplasty.