Intragastric Balloon Market

Global Intragastric Balloon Market Size

The global intragastric balloon market size was estimated at USD 160.69 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 372.75 million by 2033 from USD 176.44 million in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 9.8% during forecast period.

Intragastric balloons are non-surgical and minimally invasive devices used for weight loss in individuals with obesity or overweight conditions. These balloons are inserted into the stomach via endoscopy and filled with saline or gas by creating a sense of fullness and reducing food intake. Intragastric ballons addresses a significant public health challenge with obesity now affecting over 1.9 billion adults globally, of whom 650 million are classified as obese, as per the World Health Organization. Obesity is linked to numerous health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart diseas, and certain cancers which together contribute to over 4 million deaths annually.

MARKET DRIVERS

Rising Global Obesity Rates

The increasing prevalence of obesity worldwide significantly fuels the demand for intragastric balloons as a weight loss intervention. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 1 billion people globally are obese as of 2022. This surge in obesity rates heightens the risk of associated health conditions including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers is prompting individuals to seek effective weight management solutions. Intragastric balloons offer a minimally invasive option which makes them an attractive choice for those aiming to reduce weight and mitigate obesity-related health risks.

Preference for Minimally Invasive Weight Loss Procedures

The preference for minimally invasive procedures is growing due to their safety, cost-effectiveness, and reduced recovery times. Intragastric balloons when inserted endoscopically will eliminate the need for incisions and minimize risks like post-surgical infections. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), complications from bariatric surgery can reach up to 20% while minimally invasive methods like intragastric balloons show significantly lower complication rates. Additionally, data from the U.S. National Library of Medicine highlights that recovery time for endoscopic procedures is around 1-2 days compared to weeks for surgical alternatives and is making intragastric balloons a preferred option for weight management solutions.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Limited Long-Term Efficacy

In addition to the challenge of sustaining weight loss, studies show that 30 to 50% of patients experience weight regain within six months to one year after balloon removal, according to data published by the National Library of Medicine (NLM). Furthermore, a meta-analysis of clinical trials indicates an average weight loss maintenance rate of only 25% at the two-year mark. This highlights the temporary nature of the treatment. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) also reports that lifestyle and behavioral factors often overshadow procedural benefits and thereby reducing overall efficacy in the long term.

Potential for Adverse Events

The FDA's monitoring data reveals that 5 to 10% of patients undergoing intragastric balloon procedures experience adverse effects severe enough to require early removal of the device. The complications including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are reported in over 30% of cases during the first week after the procedure. Additionally, the mortality rate associated with these devices are though rare was flagged by the FDA in 2017 which cites multiple deaths linked to balloon placement. These statistics emphasize the need for improved safety protocols and patient selection criteria to mitigate risks.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Technological Advancements in Balloon Design

Gas-filled intragastric balloons such as those used in the Obalon system are associated with lower complication rates and studies indicate that adverse events occur in less than 3% of cases compared to over 10% for liquid-filled balloons (NCBI). Additionally, the swallowable design eliminates the need for endoscopic placement in many cases which is reducing procedural costs by 15 to 20%, according to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. These innovations align with the increasing demand for patient-friendly and cost-effective obesity treatments which can expand the market reach in regions with limited access to advanced surgical facilities.

Integration with Comprehensive Weight Management Programs

Research by the NIH suggests that combining intragastric balloons with supervised dietary and behavioral interventions can sustain weight loss for up to 36 months in 50% of patients when compared to 25% with balloon therapy alone. Moreover, patients in integrated programs show a 35% higher adherence rate to lifestyle modifications, as per the Journal of the American Medical Association. The CMS's endorsement of such integrated approaches opens avenues for insurance coverage and public health programs and is further driving adoption and long-term success of intragastric balloon therapy.

MARKET CHALLENGES

High Incidence of Adverse Events

Despite being minimally invasive, intragastric balloon procedures are associated with significant adverse events. According to a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), common complications include pain (33.7%) and nausea (29%). More severe complications though which are less frequent can occur such as gastric ulcers (2%) and balloon migration (1.4%). These adverse events can lead to early device removal and diminish patient satisfaction and thereby limiting the widespread adoption of this weight loss method.

Limited Insurance Coverage

Limited insurance coverage continues to be a barrier for the adoption of intragastric balloon procedures. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), approximately 26% of Americans delay or avoid healthcare due to cost concerns, and procedures like intragastric balloon therapy costS $6,000–$10,000 on average which become unaffordable for many without insurance support. A 2021 survey by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) revealed that only 15% of patients pursuing weight-loss therapies had access to insurance reimbursement. This lack of coverage disproportionately impacts low-income individuals is limiting access to these minimally invasive treatments and impeding broader market penetration.

REPORT COVERAGE

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

By Product Type Insights

The single segment accounted for 61.5% of the global market share in 2024. The domination of the single segment is majorly driven by the increasing demand driven by the balloon’s effectiveness and the rising number of patients seeking weight loss solutions. The Single Intragastric Balloon has been proven to assist in weight loss with studies showing that patients lose up to 30 to 50% of their excess weight over a 6-month period after balloon insertion. This makes it a reliable and effective option for weight management.

The triple segment is rapidly growing and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 13.6% from 2025 to 2033. This progress is propelled by technological advancements and increasing demand for more effective weight loss options. The Triple Intragastric Balloon is designed to occupy more space within the stomach and is leading to enhanced satiety and a stronger sense of fullness. Clinical studies have shown that the triple balloon can help patients lose up to 40-60% of their excess weight and is providing greater weight loss outcomes compared to single balloons.

By Administration Insights

The endoscopy segment held 75.7% of the global market share in 2024. This rise reflects the ongoing demand for minimally invasive weight loss solutions. This method remains the dominant choice due to its effectiveness and established clinical use in weight loss treatments. Endoscopic intragastric balloons have been proven effective in reducing body weight by up to 30 to 50% of excess body weight which leads to significant improvement in metabolic health. This proven efficacy makes it a trusted treatment in clinical settings.

The pill method which is a swallowable intragastric balloon capsule is experiencing rapid growth and this segment is expected to expand at a CAGR of 14.5% from 2025 to 2033.  The swallowable pill greatly reduces the complexity of treatment. Unlike the endoscopic method that requires a medical procedure for balloon insertion, the pill is simply ingested and left in place for several months. This makes it much more accessible with minimal patient preparation. The Pill method on average takes less than 10 minutes for administration compared to the 30-45 minutes required for endoscopic placement. This convenience is expected to be a driving factor in the segment’s growth.

By Filling Material Insights

The saline-filled segment captured 75.6% of the global market share in 2024. The consistent demand for saline-filled intragastric ballons is majorly driven by the safety profile, regulatory acceptance, and increasing adoption among patients and healthcare providers. This dominance is due to the well-established safety and efficacy of saline-filled balloons for weight loss treatments. Studies published by The Obesity Society found that saline-filled balloons resulted in an average weight loss of 10-15% of total body weight over six months with patients reporting high satisfaction due to the more gradual and sustained satiety.

The gas-filled segment is estimated to register a CAGR of 16.2% from 2025 to 2033. This can be attributed to the technological innovations and increasing global demand for non-surgical weight loss solutions. The increasing global prevalence of obesity is a key factor driving the demand for effective weight loss alternatives. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 2 billion people worldwide are overweight or obese, which fuels the demand for bariatric treatments like intragastric balloons.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

North America dominated the intragastric balloon market by accounting for 52.4% of the market share. This dominance is attributed to the high prevalence of obesity and the increasing demand for minimally invasive weight loss procedures. The U.S. in particular has seen a significant rise in obesity rates, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting an increase from 30.5% to 41.9% between 1999 and 2020. This trend is expected to continue driving market growth in the region.

Europe was the second largest regional segment in the global intragastric balloon market. Countries such as Germany, France and the United Kingdom are leading contributors owing to rising obesity rates and supportive government initiatives promoting weight management solutions. Obesity prevalence in Europe is a significant driver with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting that 23.3% of adults in the EU were obese in 2022. Government initiatives such as the UK's "Better Health Campaign" and Germany's National Action Plan, aim to address obesity, increasing demand for innovative weight loss solutions. Furthermore, a European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism report noted a 15% rise in non-surgical weight loss interventions in the last five years.

The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of 11.9% from 2025 to 2033. This rapid expansion is propelled by increasing obesity prevalence, urbanization and rising disposable incomes in countries like China, India, and Japan. Growing awareness of minimally invasive weight loss procedures further propels market growth in this region. According to WHO, obesity rates in Southeast Asia grew by 13% from 2016 to 2022. Countries like India and China are key markets, with China reporting over 50% of its adult population as overweight or obese in 2022. Rising healthcare spending, predicted to grow at a CAGR of 9% in the region, supports the adoption of advanced medical devices like intragastric balloons. Increasing awareness campaigns, such as Japan's "Shokuiku" initiative which is emphasize the importance of healthy weight management.

The Latin American market is growing steadily owing to the high obesity rates in this region. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), obesity affects 28.7% of adults in Brazil and 32.4% in Mexico. Increased awareness of minimally invasive solutions, combined with rising middle-class income, supports market expansion. Governments are introducing programs like Mexico's "National Strategy for Obesity Prevention" to encourage healthier lifestyles. These initiatives alongside the region's developing healthcare infrastructure and make intragastric balloons a preferred choice for weight loss.

The market in Middle East and Africa region is set to grow at a steady CAGR over the forecast period. The growth of the MEA market is supported by a growing preference for minimally invasive procedures. In Saudi Arabia, WHO statistics showed that obesity affects 35.4% of adults is creating significant demand for weight loss solutions. Healthcare spending in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is expected to rise by 12% annually and facilitate the adoption of advanced medical technologies. The UAE's health awareness campaigns, such as "Healthy You," further promote weight management solutions, increasing the appeal of intragastric balloons in this region.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS AND COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Apollo Endosurgery, Inc., Obalon Therapeutics, Allurion Technologies, Spatz3, Endalis, MEDSIL, ReShape Medical Lifesciences, Inc., Lexel Medical, Helioscope, Silimed are some of the key market players in the intragastric balloon market.

The intragastric balloon market is characterized by intense competition among global and regional players, driven by the growing demand for non-invasive weight management solutions. Key market participants include Apollo Endosurgery, ReShape Lifesciences, and Allurion Technologies, which hold significant shares due to their extensive product portfolios and strong distribution networks. Apollo Endosurgery’s Orbera balloon system is a market leader, recognized for its clinical efficacy and FDA approval. Similarly, Allurion Technologies’ swallowable, gas-filled Elipse balloon has gained traction due to its innovative design and patient-friendly approach.

Competition is fueled by technological advancements, with companies focusing on developing next-generation balloons that enhance patient comfort and reduce complications. For example, gas-filled balloons are emerging as a competitive alternative to liquid-filled systems due to their lightweight design and minimal side effects. Additionally, partnerships and acquisitions are common strategies, as seen in Apollo Endosurgery’s collaboration with healthcare providers to expand market penetration.

Regional players also contribute to competition by offering cost-effective solutions in emerging markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America. However, market entry barriers remain high due to stringent regulatory requirements, such as FDA and CE approvals, and the need for extensive clinical trials. Overall, the market remains dynamic, driven by innovation, strategic collaborations, and regional expansion.

RECENT MARKET DEVELOPMENTS

• In April 2024, Allurion Technologies entered into a Note Purchase Agreement, enhancing its financial position to support the development and distribution of its swallowable, procedureless intragastric balloon. This agreement reflects Allurion's commitment to advancing non-invasive weight loss solutions.
• In December 2024, Boston Scientific announced the launch of the Apollo ESG™ System and the Orbera365™ Intragastric Balloon System, marking its strategic entry into the endobariatric market. This move signifies the company's investment in minimally invasive weight loss technologies.
• In June 2023, Allurion Technologies, a medical device company, announced its collaboration agreement with Medtronic, a global medical technology and services leader. This collaboration deals with Allurion's swallowable gastric balloon and AI-powered Iris healthcare management through Medtronic's existing sales in Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. 
• In October 2022, Allurion received approval for its revolutionary gastric balloon technology in Brazil. It is the only intragastric balloon available in Brazil for weight loss that is used routinely and can be removed without surgery or Endoscopy. 
• In January 2022, Apollo Endosurgery, the leader in advanced therapeutic Endoscopy, announced its approval from the US FDA for its Orbera 365 Managed weight loss system, the first intragastric balloon with an indication for weight loss therapy up to 12 months.

MARKET SEGMENTATION

This research report on the global intragastric balloon market is segmented and sub-segmented based on animal type, Administration, Filling Material, End-use, and region.

By Product Type

• Single 
• Dual
• Triple

By Administration

• Pill form 
• Endoscopy

By Filling Material

• Saline-filled
• Gas-filled

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific 
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa