Allurion Unveils Groundbreaking Data on AI-Powered Weight Loss Solutions at European Congress on Obesity
Allurion Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: ALUR), a leader in metabolically healthy weight loss solutions, has announced the presentation of four groundbreaking abstracts at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) held in Malaga, Spain, from May 11-14, 2025. These studies highlight the transformative potential of the Allurion Balloon and the Virtual Care Suite (VCS)—an AI-powered digital platform featuring Coach Iris—in optimizing weight loss outcomes while preserving lean body mass. The findings underscore the program’s effectiveness both as a standalone therapy and in combination with GLP-1 medications.
Synergies Between Allurion Program and GLP-1 Medications
The studies presented at ECO reveal promising synergies between the Allurion Program and GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide. One study involving 138 patients using GLP-1s with normal dose escalation alongside the VCS demonstrated significant improvements in body composition. After four months, participants experienced:
- A 6.1% increase in lean body mass,
- A 6.4% increase in muscle mass, and
- A 10.2% reduction in fat mass.
These results indicate that Allurion’s AI-driven behavioral support can help patients maintain or even build muscle mass, even at normal or high doses of GLP-1 therapy—a critical advancement given concerns about muscle loss associated with traditional GLP-1 treatments.
Another study explored the combination of the Allurion Balloon and semaglutide in 60 patients over a 10-month period. This dual approach led to an impressive 21.2% reduction in total body weight, along with improvements in metabolic parameters. Such outcomes rival those achieved through bariatric surgery, offering a less invasive alternative for patients with severe obesity.
Dr. Roberta Ienca, a physician at Nuova Villa Claudia Clinic in Rome, Italy, who oversaw this study, commented, “The combination of the Allurion Program and semaglutide represents a significant leap forward in weight loss. While low-dose GLP-1 regimens may be preferable for most patients, normal dosing schedules remain valuable, particularly for individuals seeking alternatives to surgery. This innovative approach also addresses challenges such as weight regain often seen with GLP-1 medications alone.”
AI-Powered Virtual Care Suite Enhances Traditional Treatments
A third study highlighted the role of the Virtual Care Suite (VCS) in amplifying weight loss outcomes for patients prescribed GLP-1s. Among 43 patients using the VCS, the average total body weight loss was 17.3% at nine months—significantly higher than outcomes reported in U.S. studies where the VCS was not utilized. For comparison:
- Patients prescribed tirzepatide achieved an average of 15.2% total body weight loss at 12 months without the VCS.
- Those prescribed semaglutide saw only 7.9% total body weight loss under similar conditions.
These findings demonstrate that AI-driven interventions, combined with personalized coaching, can enhance the efficacy of traditional weight loss treatments, offering a more comprehensive and scalable solution.
Standalone Success of the Allurion Balloon Program
In addition to combination therapies, data from a large-scale single-center study showcased the standalone effectiveness of the Allurion Balloon Program. Analyzing outcomes from 2,000 patients treated between 2017 and 2024, researchers found:
- An average 12.4% reduction in body weight after four months.
- A remarkable 9.8% increase in muscle mass after six months.
Presented by Dr. Adelardo Caballero of Instituto de Obesidad in Madrid, Spain, these results underscore the safety, scalability, and efficacy of the Allurion Program as a non-surgical option for obesity management.
Key Takeaways from ECO Presentations
The presentations at ECO emphasize the versatility and innovation of Allurion’s offerings:
- Preservation of Muscle Mass: The integration of AI-powered tools like the VCS ensures that patients retain or even gain muscle mass during weight loss journeys, countering common side effects of GLP-1 medications.
- Combination Therapies: Pairing the Allurion Balloon with GLP-1s delivers outcomes comparable to bariatric surgery, making it a viable option for patients seeking less invasive procedures.
- Standalone Effectiveness: The Allurion Balloon Program consistently achieves meaningful weight loss and muscle preservation without the need for pharmacological intervention.
- AI-Driven Support: The VCS enhances adherence and outcomes, proving its value as a complementary tool for traditional weight loss methods.
Transformative Impact of Allurion’s Innovations
The data presented at ECO reaffirms Allurion’s position as a pioneer in metabolically healthy weight loss. By combining cutting-edge technology with patient-centric care, the company is addressing longstanding challenges in obesity management. Whether used independently or in conjunction with GLP-1 medications, the Allurion Program offers safe, effective, and scalable solutions for diverse patient populations.
As Bill Nadeau, RD, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Allurion, stated during his presentations, “Our goal is to empower patients with tools that optimize their weight loss journey while prioritizing long-term health. These studies validate the power of combining procedureless interventions with AI-driven support, setting a new standard for obesity care.”
