The company behind a pioneering surgery-free gastric balloon has integrated a digital-first ‘Virtual Care Suite’ and artificial intelligence into its patient-focused Allurion Program. We discuss how these innovations are helping to maximise sustainable weight-loss success.
It’s no secret there is a global obesity crisis. A report commissioned by Ministère de la Santé et de la Prévention found the proportion of adults in France with obesity had doubled since 1997 from 8.5% to 17%, or 8.5 million adults. This could rise to 29% by 2030 and cost the economy €37.5 billion.
Obesity is one of the most challenging fields of healthcare. Gastric sleeve and bypass surgery offer good results, but the invasiveness puts off all but a tiny percentage of patients. Drugs, including glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) such as semaglutide, show potential but uncertainties about long-term use and side effects are limiting factors.
One option is the Allurion Program, based on the world’s only swallowable gastric balloon. It’s offered with the Allurion Virtual Care Suite, including the Allurion Mobile App for consumers, Allurion Insights for healthcare providers featuring the Iris artificial intelligence (AI) coaching Platform, and the Allurion Connected Scale.
The balloon aids weight loss by taking up space in the stomach, reducing appetite and portion sizes. It works in unison with nutritional coaching to help behaviour change.
The balloon won EU approval in 2015 and has helped more than 130,000 people in 80-plus countries. Dr. Shantanu Gaur, founder and CEO of Allurion, says scientific analysis has established Allurion as best-in-class. Patients lose 10-20% of their body weight – an average of 15% – in approximately 4 months. Unlike other balloons, Allurion’s is surgery-free. Folded into a capsule, it’s swallowed during a 15-minute clinic visit. A catheter is used to inflate the balloon with liquid. “The ease of placement and removal makes the balloon unique,” says Dr. Gaur. “After around 4 months, the balloon empties and passes naturally through the gastrointestinal tract. It’s revolutionary.”
The balloon is indicated for people with a BMI of more than 27. Potential side effects such as nausea usually last a few days and can be managed at home. Allurion’s balloons were initially placed by bariatric surgeons, but the ease of placement means aesthetic centres are embracing the technology. “Our balloon offers a big advantage over surgery,” says Dr. Gaur. “It also has an edge over weight loss medications, which have been hard to manage in terms of tolerance.”
The resulting weight loss is, however, comparable to a year on semaglutide. Studies also show 96% of Allurion weight loss can be sustained at 12 months thanks to behavioral changes that support maintenance and ongoing weight loss. A second balloon can be placed for patients who have higher expectations.
Jen Pain is an Allurion patient and senior director of upstream marketing at Allurion. She had a balloon placed in February 2023: “During my 4-months, I lost 18% body weight and I’ve lost an extra 2% since.” The non-invasiveness was crucial. “I would never have had a balloon that needed endoscopy or anaesthetic, and surgery was too severe,” she says.
Allurion could become the “Botox of weight loss”, and change how weight loss is viewed. Aesthetic clinics are now viewing holistic weight loss alongside body contouring, toning and firming. They want to get away from the typical clinic model and into wellness and less superficial treatments. Allurion offers a safe option, and 90% of patients are also first-time aesthetic patients.
This holistic approach is impressing clinics. Dr. Bernard Sillam, founder & CEO of Lazeo, leading provider of aesthetic medicine in France, says: “I chose to integrate The Allurion Program into my centres due to its promising potential in delivering exceptional results for my patients. This groundbreaking weight loss solution offers a less invasive alternative to conventional surgical procedures. Its remarkable effectiveness not only facilitates weight loss, but also enhances overall health.”
Now listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Allurion is looking to take its innovation to a new level. Dr. Shantanu Gaur says AI is the next frontier of healthcare – and Allurion is a pioneer. The company’s algorithm-based Success Predictor software allows clinics to match weight-loss data and patient profiles, predicting outcomes as early as 20 days into the Allurion Program. “This allows clinics to identify patients who need extra support,” he says. AI is also being used on the patient app with Coach Iris, a 24/7 AI-powered coach used for education and support.
Dr. Shantanu Gaur says Allurion will keep pushing the boundaries of technology. “We will continue to innovate to support patients, while at the same time helping clinics find capacity to help more patients, efficiently and profitably, as part of our mission to end obesity.”
