"NHS Introduces Non-Surgical Weight Loss Balloon Pill for Obese Patients"
The first two NHS patients in Somerset have been treated with a new weight-loss pill that contains a gastric balloon filled with water, making people feel fuller for longer and eat less. The treatment, approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) in 2020, can be delivered in 15 minutes without the need for an endoscopy, hospital bed, theatre time, or anaesthetic. The pill is part of a full program involving dietary support and care, offering meaningful weight loss and potential benefits for patients with Type 2 diabetes. The manufacturer, Allurion, has been in talks with NHS trusts about rolling out the treatment since its approval.