Changes in microbiota associated with the use of intragastric balloons

Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue. Intragastric balloon (IGB) implantation is one of the methods used to treat obesity. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the composition of the balloon-associated microbiota changes based on the duration of implantation and whether there is an association between changes in microbiota and weight loss results. In patients who lost weight, the microbial community was more diverse. The individuals who had an IGB for 12 months and lost weight exhibited a distinct microbiome shift, with increased levels of beneficial or metabolically flexible taxa. Bacteroides uniformis (11%) and Blautia massiliensis (9%) were abundant, while Anaerostipes hadrus was present at 6.2%. Ruminococcaceae species and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii were also detected at moderate levels. Over time, the intragastric balloon might influence the distribution and availability of nutrients, favoring the growth of specific bacteria like Oscillibacter, Eubacterium, and Blautia. Certain bacteria may become more competitive and increase in abundance after prolonged adaptation. These findings indicate that in this small cohort extended IGB therapy may shift the microbial community toward higher levels of certain Bacillota, while also reducing specific Eubacterium populations that may be more prevalent at earlier time points.