Researchers have developed a new endoscopic procedure that involves controlled burning of the stomach lining to reduce production of the hunger hormone ghrelin. This hormone is typically higher in people with obesity and rises when they lose weight, making it difficult to maintain weight loss. Currently, there is no pharmacologic way of reducing ghrelin, but this new procedure aims to address this issue. The procedure targets ghrelin by altering the stomach lining where the hormone is produced, leading to decreased appetite and significant weight loss.
A first-in-human trial of this new procedure lasted six months and involved 10 female subjects with obesity. The results showed a more than 7% loss of body weight, a reduction of over 40% in fasting ghrelin levels, and a 42% reduction in stomach capacity according to a standard drink test. Participants reported diminished hunger by more than a third. The lead author of the study, Dr. Christopher McGowan, stated that this outpatient, non-surgical procedure could be beneficial for individuals who are not eligible for anti-obesity medications or bariatric surgery. The procedure could be a potential new treatment option for combating obesity, a chronic disease affecting a significant portion of the population.
The procedure, known as an endoscopic mucosal ablation, specifically targets the primary hunger hormone ghrelin by altering the stomach lining where it is produced. By reducing the number of ghrelin-producing cells in the stomach, the procedure aims to decrease appetite and facilitate weight loss. Currently, the only proven method of reducing ghrelin is through surgical removal or bypass of the gastric fundus. The researchers believe that if this procedure proves effective over longer time periods in larger trials, it could complement other weight-loss treatments and potentially offer a one-time solution for individuals struggling with obesity.
Experts not involved in the research have expressed both optimism and skepticism about the new procedure. While some view it as a minimally invasive option that may attract individuals wary of surgical interventions, others raise concerns about the durability and cost of the procedure compared to traditional weight-loss surgeries. Questions regarding the exact number of patients studied, the comparison to existing endoscopic procedures, and the long-term effects of the ablation procedure have also been raised. Additionally, the risks associated with fundal ablation, such as bleeding, perforation, and damage to adjacent organs, need to be carefully considered before widespread adoption.
The study’s findings, although promising, have yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. The results of the first-in-human trial are set to be presented at Digestive Disease Week 2024 later this month. Researchers are hopeful that this new procedure could provide an effective way to reduce ghrelin levels, decrease appetite, and promote weight loss in individuals with obesity. Further research and larger trials will be needed to assess the long-term efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of the procedure before it can be widely recommended as a treatment option for combating obesity.
