Key Insights:
- A novel endoscopic procedure that ablates the stomach lining to reduce ghrelin production—the hormone responsible for hunger—shows promise in significantly decreasing appetite and facilitating weight loss. This treatment was detailed in a first-in-human trial at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2024.
- Conducted over six months involving 10 female patients with obesity, the procedure resulted in an average body weight loss of 7.7% and reduced fasting ghrelin levels by over 40%. Patients reported a significant decrease in hunger, with the procedure also reducing stomach capacity by 42%.
- The procedure, endoscopic mucosal ablation, specifically targets the upper portion of the stomach known as the gastric fundus. It could potentially serve as an alternative or complement to other obesity treatments, such as pharmacologic agents or bariatric surgery, particularly for patients seeking non-surgical options.
This new endoscopic technique presents a groundbreaking approach to obesity treatment by directly modifying the biological mechanisms that regulate hunger, offering a potential new avenue for patients struggling with weight loss. Further research and larger trials will be crucial to validate its effectiveness and safety over the long term.