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FDA Regulated Weight Loss Devices: Overview of Gastric Bands, BalloonsOther Management Tools

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Weight-Loss and Weight-Management Devices

UPDATE: September 15, 2023

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration FDA announced the implementation of a reorganization that impacts various facets of its regulatory process as of October 1, 2024. The agency is currently updating FDA.gov content to reflect these changes.


Managing Overweight and Obesity

In addressing the epidemic of overweight and obesity in the United States, which are characterized by excess fat accumulation posing health risks linked to conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep disorders, and breathing problems, weight-loss and weight-management devices play a crucial role.

BMI, calculated from an individual's weight and height, is used to define these conditions: BMI of 30 kgm2 or more signifies obesity, while overweight is characterized by a BMI range of 25.0 - 29.9 kgm2.

FDA-Regulated Weight-Loss Devices

Gastric Banding Systems

The FDA oversees three types of devices designed for weight loss:

  1. Gastric Band: These consist of bands placed around the top section of the stomach, limiting food intake to a small portion.

    • Lap-Band Adjustable Gastric Banding System

    • External Link

  2. Inflatable Gastric Balloon Systems: These balloons are introduced into the stomach to occupy space and slow gastric emptying.

    • ORBERA Intragastric Balloon System

    • External Link

  3. TransPyloric ShuttleDevice: oscopic suturing devices used for altering gastric anatomy by placing permanent sutures that reduce stomach volume.

    • Apollo oscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty and Revise Systems

    • External Link

  4. Spatz3 Adjustable Balloon System: This employs an oscopic suturing device to adjust gastric size.

Weight-Management Devices

There are two types of FDA-regulated devices med at weight management:

  1. Oral Removable Palatal Space Occupying Device: Worn during meals, it limits bite size.

    • Sensor Monitored Alimentary Restriction Therapy SMART Device
  2. Ingestible, Transient, Space Occupying Device: An ingested material that temporarily occupies stomach space.

Factors to Consider Before Use

Before recomming weight-loss devices or surgery, healthcare providers typically require patients to demonstrate a commitment to healthy eating and increased physical activity. Continuous mntenance of healthy lifestyle practices post-treatment is essential. For some patients, the risk-benefit analysis suggests alternatives over surgical options.

Reporting Issues

In February 2017, August 2017, June 2018, and April 2020, the FDA issued letters to healthcare providers based on reports of adverse events related to liquid-filled gastric balloon systems. These issues included death, gastric perforation a hole in the stomach, acute pancreatitis sudden inflammation leading to severe abdominal pn, and spontaneous hyperinflation causing discomfort.

The FDA continues monitoring these complications, advising healthcare providers to closely monitor patients with liquid-filled balloons for signs of serious or life-threatening symptoms. Providers should instruct their patients on recognizing potential issues and actions to take if they occur.

Additional Resources


These resources provide comprehensive insights into the FDA's ongoing efforts in regulating weight-loss and weight-management devices, as well as supporting materials on obesity management.


This article is reproduced from: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/products-and-medical-procedures/weight-loss-and-weight-management-devices

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