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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Nicola Davis Science correspondent

Experts create controllable gastric balloon to aid weight loss

Weight Loss
Glass reproduction of a human stomach with a gastric balloon inside
Standard gastric balloons are temporarily placed in the stomach and inflated with air or fluid to create a feeling of fullness. However, they do not usually contract after a person has eaten. Photograph: VCG/Getty Images

From weight loss jabs to vibrating pills, the obesity crisis has spawned myriad innovations to help people shed pounds.

Now scientists have overhauled the humble gastric balloon – producing a device that inflates and deflates to keep it effective for longer.

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