Minimally invasive obesity treatment now available in Pakistan

U.S. medical device leader Boston Scientific has introduced a minimally invasive obesity treatment in Pakistan, as health experts raise alarms over the country's growing weight crisis — with over 100 million adults classified as overweight or obese. The epidemic is putting immense pressure on one of South Asia’s most fragile healthcare systems.

The treatment, called endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), is now available exclusively at the Sindh Institute of Advanced Gastroenterology (SIAG) in Karachi. ESG is a non-surgical procedure that reduces stomach volume, providing a new option for patients to manage obesity and related conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Speaking at the launch, U.S. Consul General Charles Goodman said, “This launch demonstrates how American innovation drives transformative healthcare solutions worldwide. The partnership between Boston Scientific and SIAG reflects the strong U.S.–Pakistan collaboration in bringing cutting-edge medical technologies to address obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.”

Officials highlighted that the introduction of ESG reflects the United States’ ongoing commitment to supporting Pakistan’s healthcare sector and expanding access to innovative medical treatments in a country grappling with one of the world’s fastest-growing obesity rates.

Pakistan is currently facing a severe obesity crisis. According to experts, more than 75% of adults in the country are overweight or obese. Excess weight has become the leading contributor to chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, strokes, cancer, and kidney failure.

A recent study presented at the American Society for Preventive Cardiology in Boston revealed that only one in five adults in Pakistan maintains a healthy body mass index (BMI).

Health professionals warn that without immediate interventions, the obesity epidemic could overwhelm Pakistan’s already overstretched healthcare system.

“Obesity is the mother of all sins,” said Dr. Riasat Ali Khan, president of the Primary Care Diabetes Association of Pakistan. “Controlling it is key to preventing and managing most of the major diseases affecting our population.”

Boston Scientific’s entry into the market comes amid a broader wave of anti-obesity treatments becoming available in Pakistan, including generic tirzepatide, a groundbreaking therapy for both diabetes and weight loss that has gained global recognition.