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Gelesis100, sold under the brand name Plenity, is an oral hydrogel used to treat overweight and obesity.[1] It absorbs water and expands in the stomach and small bowel thereby increasing feelings of fullness. Possible side effects include primarily gastrointestinal symptoms,[2] such as diarrhea, abdominal distention, infrequent bowel movements, constipation, abdominal pain, and flatulence.[3] It is contraindicated in pregnancy, chronic malabsorption syndromes, and cholestasis.[1] The US Food and Drug Administration approved it in 2019 as a medical device. Gelesis100 was developed by the company Gelesis.
| Gelesis100 | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Plenity Oral superabsorbent hydrogel |
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The US Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Gelesis100 in April 2019 as a medical device.[4] Gelesis100 is the first treatment of its kind for overweight and obesity.[2] In 2022, the American Gastroenterology Association published a guideline for the management of obesity, which recommended the use of Gelesis100 be limited to clinical trials due to limited evidence.[5]
Gelesis100 is used to treat obesity and overweight as an anti-obesity medication.[1] Gelesis100 is taken as a pill before meals with water.[6][7]
Gelesis100 has been criticized for its small impact on weight loss relative to side effects.[8]
Gelesis100 is an oral superabsorbent hydrogel, which is produced from carboxymethylcellulose and citric acid.[1][9] The cross-linked product forms a hydrophilic matrix, which absorbs water.[1] Taken in capsule form by mouth,[10] as Gelesis100 absorbs water, it expands in the stomach and small intestine.[3][6] After absorbing water, a semisolid gel structure forms, which may promote satiety and result in weight loss[1] via reduced caloric intake.[5]
Gelesis100 is contraindicated in pregnancy, chronic malabsorption syndromes, and cholestasis.[1]
Side effects consist of minor gastrointestinal symptoms,[2] including diarrhea, abdominal distention, infrequent bowel movements, constipation, abdominal pain, and flatulence.[3] Gelesis100 is not associated with any severe adverse events.[11] However, long-term safety data beyond 24 weeks is not available.[11]
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