Intragastric Balloon Market Size and Trends

The intragastric balloon market size is expected to reach US$ 278.9 million by 2030, from US$ 145.8 million in 2023, at a CAGR of 9.7% during the forecast period. Intragastric balloons are medical devices that are placed in the stomach endoscopically to reduce the stomach capacity and intake. This procedure is mainly used for weight loss in obese patients. Intragastric balloons offer various advantages such as being less invasive, reversible, and requiring shorter hospital stays. The rising prevalence of obesity and associated diseases is driving the growth of the intragastric balloon market. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) data published in June 2021, obesity rates around the world have almost tripled since 1975. In 2016, over 1.9 billion adults aged 18 and above were overweight, and among them, more than 650 million were considered obese. This means that in 2016, 39% of adults over 18 were overweight, and 13% were classified as obese.

Intragastric Balloon Market Trends:

Increasing preference for minimally invasive procedures: Patients are increasingly seeking minimally invasive alternatives for weight loss like balloons and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. These have advantages of shorter hospital stays, lower complication risks, and quicker recovery over traditional surgery. Balloons in particular have seen higher adoption owing to the simplicity, reversibility and non-permanent nature of the procedure. Patients are more inclined towards trying safer temporary options before considering permanent surgical changes. For instance, as per a research article from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) released in April 2022, the healthcare system in the U.S. is increasingly emphasizing value-based care, and hospitals are transitioning to less invasive medical procedures. The article further noted that these minimally invasive treatments lead to shorter hospital stays when compared to traditional open surgeries, mainly because of the rising preference for minimally invasive procedures in the nation.
Growing usage of dual and triple balloon systems: Advanced multi-balloon systems are gaining preference over single balloons for longer-term weight loss benefits. Dual balloons like Orbera365 provide greater stomach restriction through two linked balloons. This leads to greater satiety, portion control, and weight loss maintenance. In Europe, the new Spatz3 adjustable triple balloon allows progressive three-step expansion over 12 months for personalized results. Such multi-balloon options offer better clinical outcomes.
Increasing demand for non-surgical outpatient weight loss options: There is growing inclination towards outpatient intragastric balloon placement over inpatient surgery for convenience, cost savings, and reduced downtime. Elipse, Orbera, and ReShape balloons can be placed endoscopically in gastroenterologist clinics/ambulatory surgery centers without anesthesia requirements. Market leaders are focusing on expanding outpatient placement facilities through partnerships with bariatric clinics and individual providers.
Advancements in balloon placement and removal processes: Technological developments are making balloon placement and removal safer, faster, and easier. Smaller balloons, smooth surfaces, and radiopaque markings allow quick endoscopic insertion and positioning. Smart gastrointestinal suturing devices like Apollo Endosurgery’s OverStitch facilitate reliable balloon fixation. Similarly, advances in removal processes like Obalon’s detachable shell reduce risks and procedure time. This is propelling adoption among patients and providers.

Intragastric Balloon Market Drivers:

Rising prevalence of obesity: Obesity has become a global epidemic, with over 650 million adults worldwide being obese as of 2016. The prevalence of obesity has nearly tripled over the past four decades. Obesity increases the risk of various chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and certain cancers. This is driving the demand for effective long-term weight loss solutions like intragastric balloon. The balloons provide a minimally invasive alternative to tackle obesity. Moreover, according to the WHO data published on March 16, 2023, an estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years worldwide have hypertension, most (two-thirds) living in low- and middle-income countries. An estimated 46% of adults with hypertension are unaware that they have the condition.
Technological advancements in balloon design: There have been significant improvements in intragastric balloon design and functionality over the past decade. Newer balloon models like Orbera365 and Spatz3 allow balloons to stay in the stomach for up to 12 months. Features like smooth surface, improved collapsibility, radiopaque markers for imaging, and addition of gauge ports have enhanced safety and outcomes. Companies are also developing ingestible, swallowable balloons like the Elipse balloon by Allurion Technologies, a medical device company. Such technological enhancements are boosting the adoption of gastric balloons.
Increasing bariatric surgeries: With rising obesity, the number of bariatric procedures like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy has grown significantly worldwide. Intragastric balloons are often used as a bridge to surgery in extremely obese patients to reduce surgery risks and improve outcomes. They help reduce liver volume allowing for easier access during surgery. According to ASMBS, over 200,000 bariatric surgeries were performed in the U.S. in 2017. The balloons provide a reversible, cost-effective option before surgery.
Favorable reimbursement policies: Expanding insurance coverage for obesity treatment is improving access to weight loss procedures including gastric balloons. In the U.S., intragastric balloon are covered by Medicaid and Medicare in people with severe obesity and comorbidities. Coverage by Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare has also increased owing to long-term cost benefits of weight loss. Such favorable reimbursement policies are accelerating the adoption of balloon procedures.