# Self-Serve Stomach Pumps (UPDATE) AspireAssist Reversible Weight Loss Procedure is Approved by FDA By Meghan Young | Published 2016-06-22 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aspireassist References: [theverge](http://www.theverge.com/2016/6/21/11946252/fda-approved-weight-loss-device-assistaspire-obesity) & [fda.gov](http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm506625.htm) AspireAssist may have made news back in 2013, but the controversial [weight loss](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/weight-loss-membership) procedure has only now been approved by the [FDA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wegovy-pill). Why is it controversial? Well, it is essentially a device that will allow people with obesity to pump food out of their stomachs. In a way, it sounds like sanctioned bulimia, hence the controversy. Of course, there's a reason why the FDA approved AspireAssist. It is meant for people with a [body mass index](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bodd) (BMI) of 35 to 55 who have failed to lose weight with non-surgical therapies. That's a very specific group AspireAssist is targeting. Essentially, those approved for the procedure will have a tube surgically implanted in their stomach with a port valve to attach another device. This second device is what helps sucks the food out. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.8/10 - Popularity: 73% | Activity: 93% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Obesity Solutions:** AspireAssist's FDA approval is a sign of growing need for innovative solutions to obesity. - **Medical Device Innovation:** AspireAssist's approval highlights the potential for medical device companies to disrupt the obesity treatment industry. - **Controversial Health Tech:** AspireAssist's unique approach to weight loss raises questions about the ethical implications of controversial health tech. ### Where This Applies - **Medical Devices:** AspireAssist's FDA approval reveals an opportunity for medical device companies to address obesity treatment. - **Healthcare:** AspireAssist's approval underscores the need for more innovative and effective treatments for obesity within the healthcare industry. - **Weight Loss Programs:** AspireAssist presents a potential disruption to the weight loss program industry by offering a unique approach to treating obesity. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Next-Generation Diabetes-Managing Innovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reshape-lifeciences.md) - [Oral GLP-1 Medicines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wegovy-pill.md) - [Oral GLP-1 Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/evolv-glp1.md) - [Recovery-Optimizing Medical Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lung-resection-surgery.md) - [Pre-Meal Weight Loss Shots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boost-premeal-hunger-support-shot.md) - [Tubeless Insulin Delivery Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omnipod-5.md) - [Wearable Weight Loss Patches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eopatch.md) - [AI Weight Management Assistants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coach-iris.md) - [Chronic Weight-Management Drugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wegovy.md)