Gastric Balloon in Bursa

Obesity in Bursa: Marmara's Growing Health Agenda

Türkiye has the highest obesity prevalence in the World Health Organization's European Region. The 2017-2022 national survey by the Turkish Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism found that the co-occurrence of obesity and type 2 diabetes in Türkiye increased significantly over five years (PMID 40582352). This picture points to a wide-ranging health priority affecting all major Marmara provinces, including Bursa.

In Türkiye, 20.2% of the adult population is obese (BMI ≥30), and overweight and obese individuals together account for 66.8% (TÜİK 2022; WHO 2022). According to the WHO 2022 European Region report, Türkiye has the highest obesity prevalence in this region (32.1%; WHO 2022). GLP-1 receptor agonists came to the fore during this period; however, according to a meta-analysis of 18 randomized controlled trials covering 3,771 patients, an average of 5.63 kg is regained when the medication is discontinued (PMID 41399474). Bursa's health infrastructure rests on the strong network of Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine and the region's private clinics. This ecosystem also includes 7 authorized Allurion clinics.

Health Infrastructure and Access in Bursa

With its proximity to İstanbul, Bursa is the second-largest health hub in the Marmara Region. The highway distance to İstanbul over the Osmangazi Bridge is 150 km, reachable by car in an average of 1.5-2 hours. The BUDO ferry line offers a roughly 110-minute crossing between Mudanya and Eminönü.

Research centers within Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine conduct active clinical studies in the field of obesity and metabolic diseases. The 7 authorized Allurion clinics serving the Nilüfer, Osmangazi, and Yıldırım districts form an access network covering Bursa's broad geography.

The Procedure Process in Bursa

Initial Assessment: The authorized clinician in Bursa evaluates your medical history and weight management goals. For those coming from İstanbul or another Marmara province, the initial consultation can also be conducted remotely.

Balloon Placement (15 min): The capsule is swallowed with water; under fluoroscopic guidance, the balloon settles in the stomach and is inflated. This procedure, which requires no endoscopy or anesthesia, is completed in 15 minutes; the patient returns to daily life the same day after the procedure.

4-Month Balloon and Digital Coaching: Through a smart scale and the Allurion mobile app, the clinician conducts remote monitoring. This digital infrastructure offers follow-up that does not require frequent visits to the clinic from Bursa or surrounding provinces.

Program Completion: At the end of the 4th month, the balloon deflates on its own and is passed naturally; together with the 2-month support period that follows, the total 6-month program is completed. Allurion received FDA PMA Class III approval on February 23, 2026 (P250023).

Evidence-Based Weight Management in Bursa

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2024 comprehensively demonstrated the short-term weight loss efficacy and safety profile of the Allurion swallowable balloon (PMID 39174862). The study covers publications between 2016 and 2024 and is the most current and comprehensive synthesis of evidence on swallowable balloon technology.

The Allurion Program offers a holistic weight management approach with its 6-month digital coaching infrastructure, encompassing a smart scale, mobile app, and remote clinician monitoring. This feature makes the follow-up process manageable for patients who come to Bursa from İstanbul or other Marmara provinces to complete the procedure.

The 7 authorized Allurion clinics in Bursa meet Allurion's international training and certification standards. This structure ensures that patients coming from İstanbul or other provinces experience a standard program.

Practical Information for Those Coming to Bursa

Travel from İstanbul: The highway connection over the Osmangazi Bridge takes about 1.5-2 hours; the sea journey on the BUDO Mudanya-Eminönü ferry line takes about 110 minutes. Both routes are suitable for a day trip from İstanbul. Since the Allurion procedure takes 15 minutes, arrival, the procedure, and the return can comfortably be planned in a single day.

Within Bursa: City transport to the clinic locations in the Nilüfer, Osmangazi, and Yıldırım districts is easy via the BursaRay and bus network. Direct flights from other provinces of Türkiye are also available through Yenişehir Airport.

Allurion's 6-month digital infrastructure eliminates the need for frequent clinic visits for patients living outside Bursa. Smart scale measurements are recorded automatically; the clinician monitors this data remotely. The initial assessment consultation can also be conducted remotely without coming to Bursa.