Transforming obesity care: the impact of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty on weight loss and metabolic health.

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to reshape the stomach into a sleevelike form. This study aimed to examine ESG's role in obesity treatment, reporting outcomes related to weight reduction in Ecuadorean subjects. The study was conducted in the Clinica de Sobrepeso, Obesidad y Metabolismo, Quito, Ecuador.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study evaluated patients who underwent ESG at a specialized obesity center with follow-ups at 3, 6, and 12 months. The key outcomes included weight loss metrics (body mass index [BMI], excess body weight loss [%EBWL], and total bodyvweight loss [%TBWL]) and laboratory changes (blood glucose, cholesterol, hemoglobin, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron levels). In addition, blood pressure and heart rate were assessed to analyze weight loss efficacy and comorbidity improvements.

RESULTS

A total of 160 patients underwent ESG, with an initial average BMI of 35.9 kg/m² and a mean age of 45 years. Participants lost an average of 16.1 kg by the end of the study, with significant reductions in musculoskeletal mass and fat percentage. Percentage TBWL and percentage EBWL improved progressively from 11.74% and 58.34% at 3 months to 18.39% and 41.56% at 12 months. Blood glucose and total cholesterol showed significant reductions at all follow-up points (P <.001).

CONCLUSION

ESG effectively promotes significant weight loss and metabolic improvements within 12 months. It reduces visceral fat, fat mass percentage, musculoskeletal mass, blood glucose, and total cholesterol, confirming its success as a minimally invasive obesity treatment.