A NEW weight loss balloon that can be swallowed in a pill has been launched across the UK.

Unlike other gastric balloon treatments, Obalon does not require invasive surgery. Instead, in a 10-minute procedure, patients swallow a capsule the size of a large vitamin pill, which contains a deflated balloon.

The capsule is attached to a micro-catheter and, once the capsule arrives in the stomach, the balloon is inflated to the size of an apple. The capsule dissolves and the catheter is removed via the mouth.

The balloon sits on top of the stomach, giving patients the sensation of fullness with the hope they then eat less and lose weight.

Patients receive a second balloon 30 days after the first procedure, with the option of a third after around 60 days, based on their weight loss and feelings of fullness.