New method to combat obesity

The CalGate, as it is provisionally known, they say, can be surgically implanted in the area known as the cardia between the oesophagus and the stomach. Part filter, part valve, the CalGate will be capable of monitoring the intake of calories. Heading the research team, Dr Eva Meppi explained: “We can preset and remotely recalibrate a calorie intake limit into the implanted device. Once that limit has been reached, the valve will close and no more food will be admitted to the stomach. Stringently filtered fluids will continue to be able to pass through but solids will be blocked until the time frame for the calorie intake limit has expired. It will also encourage the patient to monitor their calorie intake very closely since continued eating after the valve has closed will be quite uncomfortable.”