NHRA warns against unsafe obesity treatment methods

Manama : Health authorities have warned against unsafe obesity treatment methods gaining popularity in the Kingdom, saying  the practices have dangerous consequences on health.

The warning came in a circular issued by the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) CEO Dr. Mariam Al Jalahma, instructing all healthcare institutions in the Kingdom to take caution of the liquid-filled intra-gastric balloon systems used to treat obesity.

“The Food and Drug Administration declaration, issued on August 10 this year, was related to adverse effect on the patient from the installation of the liquid-filled intra-gastric Balloon Systems used to treat obesity which is for a period of six months at most via endoscopic procedure,” the circular read.

“The Food and Drug Administration has declared two types of adverse effects associated with the treatment system. The first type involves the liquid-filled intra-gastric Balloon to become overinflating with air or liquid (spontaneous hyperinflation) in patients’ stomach indicating premature device removal. The second type of adverse effect is the development of acute pancreatitis, which also indicates premature device removal,” the circular mentioned.

Posted on NHRA’s official Instagram page, the circular included recommendations issued by Dr. Al Jalahma.

Addressing all healthcare institutions, the recommendations mentioned that patients treated with these devices should be closely monitored for complications.

“All adverse effects related to the above mentioned device should be reported to Healthcare Facility Department at the authority through hcf@nhra.bh. This information should be announced to healthcare professionals in all facilities,” the circular said.