Treating Morbid Extreme Obesity. Part 3 of 3

So “Contrary to what many still believe, obesity is largely a biologically mediated disease. Therefore, it makes nous that more biologically based interventions will be required to achieve lasting weight loss”. Ochner said the vagal nerve is known to play a key role in food intake, and “I would not be surprised to learn more such treatment options become available in the next several years. How this system will fare in terms of long-term treatment effectiveness remains to be see but post-approval studies have wisely been required by the FDA”.

The strategy appears to be largely safe, with only about 4 percent of patients suffering a health problem due to the implant, according to an FDA report on Maestro. Serious reactions reported in the clinical retreat included nausea, vomiting, surgical complications, and pain at the place under the skin where the pulse generator had been implanted, the FDA said. Other adverse events included pain, heartburn, problems swallowing, belching, easygoing nausea and chest pain.

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