Effects of an oral biodegradable device used for 12 weeks on weight reduction, cardiovascular risk factors, satiety, snacking, and meal size

Haim Shirin, Ian J. Neeland, Donna H. Ryan, Daniel de Luis, Albert Lecube, Zoltan Magos, Yael Kenan, Ruthie Amir, Daniel L. Cohen, Odd Erik Johansen*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The Epitomee Capsule (EC) is an, oral, self‐use, bio-degradable device for weight management, composed of absorbent polymers that self-expands in the stomach (pH-sensitive) and creates a triangular shape, space-occupying super-absorbent gel structure. A recent study reported that 42 % of study completers obtained >5 % weight reduction at 12 weeks. We performed exploratory analyses of this study to evaluate its effect on cardiovascular risk factors and on self-reported satiety, between-meal snacking and meal-size. Methods: This single-center observational study (Israel) enrolled 78 volunteers, with mean age 41 years, BMI 32.5 kg/m2, systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) 124/77 mmHg. The EC was given in addition to diet and physical activity counseling. Assessments included anthropometrics, BP, lipids, and three questions (translated from Hebrew) scored 1 (not at all) to 5 (very much) for “Do you feel the EC - Q1:helps you to consume less snacks in between meals? Q2:helps you to eat less in the meal?; Q3:is causing an early sense of satiety?”. Changes from baseline were assessed using a mixed model and included all patients with at least one measure. Correlation-analysis between weight-change and PROs used Kendall's tau. Result: Compared to baseline, at 12 weeks, SBP/DBP were reduced (ΔSBP: −5.5 mmHg, p = 0.0003/ΔDBP: −1.9 mmHg, p = 0.1341), with a larger effect in people with hypertension at baseline (ΔSBP: −13.2 mmHg, p < 0.00001/ΔDBP: −6.1, p = 0.008). Triglyceride-level was also significantly reduced, but not other lipids. Mean scores to Q1-3 were high throughout, with slight decreases (Q1 at W2 3.9 ± 1.1/W12 3.0 ± 1.6; Q2 at W2 3.7 ± 1.1/W12 3.1 ± 1.6; Q3 at W2 3.8 ± 1.2/W12 2.9 ± 1.6). There was a moderate correlation between PROs and weight reduction, although significance was not observed for all weeks. Conclusions: Exploratory analyses of 12 weeks treatment with EC demonstrated significant reductions in SBP, DBP, and triglycerides. The weight reduction correlated with satiety, less snacking, and reduced meal size.

Original languageEnglish
Article number100094
JournalObesity Pillars
Volume8
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2023

Funding

FundersFunder number
Epitomee Ltd
AMRA

    Keywords

    • Appetite
    • Gut-brain axis
    • Medical device
    • Observational study
    • Weight loss

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Effects of an oral biodegradable device used for 12 weeks on weight reduction, cardiovascular risk factors, satiety, snacking, and meal size'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this