FDA-Approved Device Helps Curb Appetite For Obese Patients

Treating obesity and related health issues isn't always so black-and-white. Oftentimes, an approach that works for one individual might not work for the other.

Now the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an implant that can help curb appetite by electrically stimulating stomach nerves, making it the first FDA-approved obesity device since 2007. The Maestro Rechargeable System was accepted Wednesday to treat morbid obesity, according to device manufacturer EnteroMedics Inc.

The device has been approved for individuals 18 and older with a body-mass index (BMI) between 35 and 45 and at least one other obesity-related condition, including type 2 diabetes. Those to receive the implant must have also tried and failed to lose weight through traditional means, such as diet and exercise.

Clinical trials revealed the people with a Maestro implant lost an average of 8.5 percent more weight after one years than counterparts without the device. Furthermore, half of those with the device lost at least 20 percent of their excess weight and another 38 percent lost at least 25 percent of their excess weight, according to Health Day.

Furthermore, those with fake implants reportedly gained about 40 percent of the weight they had lost back within six months.

Though the clinical trial of the device did not meet it's original goal of people losing at least 10 percent more excess eight than contol groups, researchers found that sustained weight-loss was possible, and use out-weighed the risks of using Maestro.

Part of the FDA-approval also requires that Minnesota-based EnteroMedics must conduct a five-year post-approval study that will follow at least 100 patients and collect additional safety and effectiveness data.

For more great nature science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).