A new study reveals that endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is significantly more cost-effective than lifestyle modifications for treating obesity. This real-world study underscores ESG's potential as a cost-efficient obesity treatment and can assist in helping advocate for broader insurance coverage.
CARY, N.C., May 21, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Dr. Lauren L. Donnangelo and colleagues of True You Weight Loss have conducted the first real-world cost-effectiveness analysis of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) versus lifestyle modifications for adults with obesity. Obesity impacts nearly 42% of adults in the United States, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all-cause mortality. The treatment of obesity and related conditions costs over $700 billion annually, which is only anticipated to increase as rates continue to rise.
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is an FDA-authorized, incision-less procedure that has been demonstrated as a more cost-effective option for treating obesity compared to lifestyle interventions such as diet and exercise. After one year, ESG produces an average loss of up to 23.1% of total body weight, whereas research shows that diet and exercise generally provide a total body weight loss of just two to three percent. Despite the clinical success of the ESG procedure, adoption has been limited by its lack of insurance coverage.
Results of the Cost Analysis
In order to determine the total cost of ESG vs lifestyle modifications, Dr. Donnangelo and colleagues sought to analyze the cost in 860 real-world adults with class I-III obesity. From the analysis of this dataset, the model demonstrated that ESG was significantly more cost-effective when compared to lifestyle modifications.
When evaluating the cost-effectiveness of ESG, the base-case Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) for ESG versus lifestyle modifications was $5,904 per Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY). The upper bound ICER estimate was $8,038/QALY gained, demonstrating that ESG is significantly more cost-effective over the life of the patient than other interventions. For comparison purposes, the cost per QALY of semaglutide (Wegovy) is more than $250,000.
Specifically, the model predicted that ESG would become cost-effective by 30 months (2.5 years) and that ESG would likely remain cost-effective over five years. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that ESG would become cost-saving after 10 years (through lifetime). The cost-effectiveness of ESG is particularly robust in the highest obesity class (class III obesity).
Based on this research, ESG is a cost-effective solution for addressing obesity across all classes. Weight loss facilitated by ESG has been shown to improve and, in some cases, resolve weight-related medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, fatty liver disease, and obstructive sleep apnea.
Payers may find this analysis sufficient to justify increasing the coverage for their members. "Securing widespread insurance coverage for a procedure like ESG can be a lengthy process," explains Dr. Donnangelo. "We're very excited to finally have compelling real-world data that overwhelmingly supports investment in this procedure from the perspective of healthcare savings. In turn, we hope that we can improve access and help more patients."
Dr. Donnangelo will be presenting the findings of this analysis at Digestive Disease Week in Washington, DC.
About True You Weight Loss, PLLC
Founded by Dr. Christopher McGowan, True You Weight Loss, PLLC is the nation's first dedicated endobariatric weight loss center. True You Weight Loss offers a comprehensive range of endobariatric procedures and support services to help patients lose weight, including endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), bariatric revisional procedures, intragastric balloon placement, and medical nutrition therapy. To learn more, visit www.trueyouweightloss.com or follow True You on Facebook and Instagram.
About Dr. Lauren Donnangelo, MD, ABOM
Dr. Lauren Donnangelo is one of the country's first dedicated bariatric and metabolic endoscopists. She is passionate about providing state-of-the-art, life-changing care to patients with obesity. She joined True You Weight Loss after completing her fellowship in Gastroenterology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. She is board-certified in Gastroenterology, Obesity Medicine, and Internal Medicine.
Media Contact
Jill Dykes, True You Weight Loss, 1 (919)-749-8488, [email protected], https://trueyouweightloss.com/
SOURCE True You Weight Loss
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