Gen Z is increasingly turning to gastric balloons to shed excess weight, ditching scalpels, anaesthesia, and long hospital stays in the process. But what exactly is this new, non-invasive weight-loss method that is taking over their wellness feeds and aligning perfectly with their fast-paced, health-conscious lives? Lightweight in both procedure and commitment, this approach is quickly becoming more than just a passing trend—it is reshaping the way young adults approach weight management. From convenience to customisation, the gastric balloon is offering Gen Z a middle path between diet fads and drastic surgery, and it is gaining ground fast.
According to Dr. Rakesh Durkhure, MI and Surgery at Artemis Hospitals, an intragastric balloon (IGB), also called a gastric balloon, is a temporary device that goes into the stomach without surgery to help people lose weight. "The balloon goes into the mouth and is then filled with saline, which takes up space in the stomach. This procedure makes you feel full and tends to make the person eat less. Usually, the balloon stays in place for about four to five months before being taken out," he explains.
Reasons for Gen Z's Preference
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Non-Invasive Nature: Gastric balloons are put in by swallowing them with a sip of water, which doesn't require surgery and does not change the digestive system like bariatric surgery does.
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Less Time for Procedure: Putting in a gastric balloon is a quick procedure that usually takes less than 10 minutes, and a person can usually go home the same day. Compared to the long recovery time that comes with surgery, this method is faster. After it has served its purpose, the balloon goes out of the body without any procedure.
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Temporary Commitment: Gastric balloons are only meant to be used for a short time, usually four to five months. This temporary nature lets people see how much weight they have lost without having to make permanent surgical changes. No frequent hospital follow-ups are needed.
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Lifestyle Compatibility: Gen Z values freedom and flexibility in their lifestyles. The gastric balloon procedure fits with their desire to change their lives on their own terms, without the long-term effects of surgery.
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Cost Considerations: Gastric balloons usually cost less than bariatric surgery, but prices can vary. Because it does not involve surgery, it may cost less in medical bills. In some cases, this is also covered under medical insurance as well.
Effectiveness and Considerations
Studies have shown that people who use gastric balloons can lose a lot of weight in a short amount of time. It is important to remember that keeping the weight off requires making changes to your diet and exercise habits. Gastric balloons are less invasive, but they still have some risks. Some people may feel sick or nauseous or have very mild stomach fullness, especially in the first few days after getting the device.
In short, Gen Z prefers gastric balloons to bariatric surgery because they are less invasive, more flexible, and less expensive ways to lose weight. Gastric balloons have some benefits, but people should talk to their doctors about the best way for them to lose weight based on their health needs and goals.
