Intragastric balloons: a temporary treatment for obesity.

(1) Intragastric balloons are a temporary non-surgical obesity treatment that induces short-term weight loss by partially filling the stomach to achieve satiety and reduce food intake. (2) Moderate weight loss may be achieved if patients adhere to a weight-reduction program. Weight gain often recurs when the balloon is removed after six months. (3) Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting are common, particularly in the first week after balloon implantation. (4) More data on benefits, harm, and cost effectiveness are required before the intragastric balloon can be compared with other short-term weight loss interventions, including low-calorie diets.