Obesity is associated with type II diabetes, which over time wears out the pancreas. A gastrointestinal liner developed by Massachusetts-based GI Dynamics may restore the obese to a healthy weight by preventing food from contacting the intestinal wall. The “Endobarrier” is routed endoscopically through the mouth—unlike a gastric bypass, but no surgery is necessary—and lines the first two feet of the small intestine, where the most calories are absorbed (nutrients are still absorbed farther down the intestine).
