Weight loss trend in Mexico and the US: Are gastric balloons an effective alternative?

In recent years, health has become a central topic in many office conversations or group chats. It's not just about looking good, but because people now value having more energy to live day to day. In Mexico, obesity grew from 23% to 36% between 2000 and 2018, and is expected to reach 45% by 2030. In the United States, nearly 43% of adults are overweight , and more than half want to lose weight. This isn't a fad: it's a movement for everyone to improve their health and prevent related diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.

A gastric balloon is a device placed in the stomach endoscopy (without surgery) and inflated with saline or air. The idea is that by taking up space, it helps you feel full after eating less. It is temporary (usually 6 to 12 months), without incisions or prolonged hospitalization, and is designed to reinforce a change in eating habits.

In Mexico, this option is becoming more common thanks to its proven effectiveness, especially among those who have tried everything without success.

In the United States, the use of gastric balloons continues to rise. In 2023, nearly 4,358 devices were placed, a significant increase compared to the previous year. Although there are no official figures for Mexico, the gastric balloon market already represents nearly 50% of the Latin American market. North America is the largest market, accounting for 41.7% of the global market.

In Mexico, the price of a gastric balloon can range from 55,000 to 100,000 Mexican pesos. If you're considering this option, it's natural to wonder about the price. This depends on the clinic, the type of device used, and the services included in the package, such as medical consultations, nutrition, and post-procedure follow-up.

Although at first glance it may seem like a significant investment, it's key to understand why it costs what it does . Bariatric surgery can cost over 200,000 pesos or even more, whereas the gastric balloon is a less invasive, reversible, and much more affordable option. It doesn't require prolonged hospitalization or surgery, which significantly reduces medical costs.

In addition, many programs include a comprehensive approach that combines the balloon with nutritional guidance and ongoing medical monitoring. This helps not only with weight loss but also with long-term weight maintenance.

Compared to pills or miracle treatments that promise quick results, which aren't backed by medical evidence, the gastric balloon offers a safer, more personalized solution based on real clinical results .

• Less invasive than surgery : no cuts, just an outpatient procedure.
• On average, you can lose between 10% and 15% of your body weight in 6 months.
• It helps improve other health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
• It is a temporary solution designed to help you create healthier habits.

Balloons represent a modern option among noninvasive techniques. Additionally, there are adjustable devices that allow you to adjust the balloon volume as you progress through your procedure, improving both efficacy and tolerability.

According to clinical data, up to 15% body weight loss has been reported, with success rates greater than 80%.

Before undergoing any health procedure, consult your trusted doctor for recommendations on what to do in your case.

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