The number of obese Rwandans in urban cities doubled over the past 10 years, according to Minister of Health, Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, who noted this during the National Dialogue Council, Umushyikirano, on February 28. Nsanzimana explained that the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is worrisome. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer top the list of major diseases claiming the lives of many Rwandans, he noted. ALSO READ: Obesity rates double in Rwandan cities To check the problem, the Minister advised that, at an individual level, people must change their lifestyle; avoid sedentary lifestyle as much as possible; eat healthy food and do regular screening of non-communicable diseases. Intragastric balloon Some health experts indicate that the Intragastric balloon placement, a weight-loss procedure that involves placing a saline-filled silicone balloon in your stomach, can be a solution to the obesity problem. The gastric balloon is a soft, smooth, durable balloon made of silicone rubber. According to The Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit American academic medical center focused on integrated health care, education, and research, Intragastric balloon placement is a weight-loss procedure that involves placing a saline-filled silicone balloon in your stomach. This helps you lose weight by limiting how much you can eat and making you feel fuller faster. ALSO READ: Covid-19: Health experts worried obesity is on the rise But, according to The Mayo Clinic, intragastric balloon placement and other weight-loss procedures or surgeries “are typically done only after you've tried to lose weight by improving your diet and exercise habits.” “The intragastric balloon procedure may be an option if you have concerns about your weight, and diet and exercises haven't worked for you. “Like other weight-loss procedures, an intragastric balloon requires commitment to a healthier lifestyle. You need to make permanent healthy changes to your diet and get regular exercise to help ensure the long-term success of the procedure.” READ ALSO: How Rwanda reduced the malaria burden in five years READ ALSO: Kagame, First Lady Take part in Kigali car-free day Who is it for? The Mayo Clinic notes that an intragastric balloon may be an option for you if: your body mass index (BMI) is between 30 and 40; if you are willing to commit to healthy lifestyle changes, get regular medical follow-up and participate in behavioral therapy; or you have not had any previous stomach or esophageal surgery. The latter is a surgical procedure to remove some or all of the swallowing tube between your mouth and stomach (esophagus) and then reconstruct it using part of another organ, usually the stomach. Intragastric balloons are not the right choice for everyone who is overweight. A screening process will help your doctor see if the procedure might be beneficial for you. Risks It is noted that pain and nausea affect about one-third of people soon after insertion of an intragastric balloon. Although rare, according to The Mayo Clinic, serious side effects may occur after intragastric balloon placement. “A potential risk includes balloon deflation. If the balloon deflates, there's also a risk that it could move through your digestive system. This can cause a blockage that may require an additional procedure or surgery to remove the device. “Other possible risks include overinflation, acute pancreatitis, ulcers or a hole (perforation) in the stomach wall, which might require surgery to fix.”
