Does combining liraglutide with intragastric balloon insertion improve sustained weight reduction?

BACKGROUND/AIM: Intragastric balloon (IGB) is an effective and safe method of weight reduction. However, IGBs have been associated with a high rate of weight regain post removal. Accordingly, ways to improve sustained weight reduction including concomitant treatment with Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists have been proposed. This study aims to evaluate the effect of adding Liraglutide to IGB insertion on sustained weight reduction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all cases treated with IGB with or without Liraglutide was performed. Outcomes were statistically compared. RESULTS: A total of 108 patients were included; 64 were treated with IGB alone and 44 with IGB + Liraglutide. Six months after removing IGB, patients treated with IGB + Liraglutide had a higher mean weight loss post treatment completion (10.2 ± 6.7 vs. 18.5 ± 7.6, P = <0.0001) than those treated with IGB alone. After adjusting for covariates, patients treated with IGB alone demonstrated a higher mean body weight loss at the time of IGB removal (coefficient 7.71, 95% CI = 4.78-10.63), and a higher odds of treatment success 6 months post IGB removal (OR = 5.74, 95% CI = 1.79-188.42). Baseline body mass index appeared to be a significant predictor of mean body weight loss at the time of balloon removal. CONCLUSIONS: Adding Liraglutide to IGB does not appear to decrease the risk of weight regain 6 months post IGB removal.