Why does a clinic publish a page of research?

Because most of what is written online about weight-loss procedures and knee treatment does not say where its numbers came from. Every figure we publish has its source on this page so you can check it yourself.

What does the 15–18% figure for ESG actually mean?

It is the average reduction in total body weight over the first year reported in the published studies. The range comes from the two meta-analyses that look at ESG specifically: 16.5% (95% CI 15.2–17.8) across 8 studies of 1,772 patients (Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020;18:1043-53), and 17.51% (95% CI 16.44–18.58) across 9 studies of 1,979 patients (Obes Surg 2020;30:3010-29). The one randomised trial reported 13.6% at 52 weeks (Lancet 2022;400:441-51), below that range. All of these are averages for a study population, not a figure that applies to everyone. Results vary between individuals.

How often do complications happen with ESG?

The rate of serious complications reported in the literature is approximately 1.5–2.3% (ASGE–ESGE Joint Guideline, Gastrointest Endosc 2024;99:867-85; SOFFCOMM Position Statement, J Visc Surg 2025;162:71-78). That is a figure for the study population; your own risk has to be assessed by a doctor.

Can I read the original research myself?

Yes. Every entry on this page links to its source, and you can ask our medical team for further references at your consultation.

The Evidence Behind Our Treatments

Before any procedure enters our service list, our medical team reads the primary research and the practice guidelines published by international professional societies. This page shows what we read, how we summarise it, and where the evidence still falls short.

If you are comparing clinics from another country, this is the page we would want you to read first — not our pricing page.

In short

Our two flagship procedures — ESG (endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, no incisions) and GAE (genicular artery embolisation for knee osteoarthritis, no surgery) — follow guidelines published by international professional societies.
Our medical team has peer-reviewed research on endoscopic obesity treatment published in international medical journals.
Every figure we publish has its source listed on this page.
Research figures are group averages, not predictions for any one person.

Peer-reviewed research from our medical team

Noppachai Siranart, M.D., founder of YOUNIFY Clinic, has published peer-reviewed research on endoscopic obesity treatment and weight management in international medical journals.

Journal / Year	Study type	What it examined	Source
Dig Dis Sci 2026first author	Network meta-analysis	How different bariatric procedures compare in improving obesity-related comorbidities	View abstractPMID 42423932
Gastrointest Endosc 2026;103(6):1173-9	Comparative study	Endoscopic versus surgical management of recurrent weight gain after sleeve gastrectomy	View abstractPMID 41213337
Hepatol Commun 2026;10(2)first author	Meta-analysis	The effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists on biopsy-confirmed MASH	View abstractPMID 41543478
Obesity 2025;33(2):250-6	Real-world cohort	GLP-1 receptor agonists and upper endoscopy: a real-world experience	View abstractPMID 39763285

Involvement in research does not predict any individual outcome. It means the medical team treating you reads the evidence at source.

See the full publication list on PubMed

The guidelines we follow

ESG — endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty

Our preparation and aftercare protocol is built from two documents:

ASGE–ESGE Joint Guideline on primary endoscopic bariatric and metabolic therapies — Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 2024;99:867-85
SOFFCOMM Position Statement on endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty — Journal of Visceral Surgery 2025;162:71-78

Where our figures come from

The middle column is the wording we use everywhere. If you find wording of ours that differs from this, please tell us.

Topic	The wording we use	Source
Weight loss after ESG	Typically around 15–18% of total body weight within one year. Results vary between individuals.	Efficacy and Safety of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020;18:1043-53 · Intragastric Balloon Versus Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty, Obes Surg 2020;30:3010-29 · Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty for treatment of class 1 and 2 obesity (MERIT), Lancet 2022;400:441-51
Weight loss after an intragastric balloon	Average total body weight loss of 12.16% at 6 months with the balloon in place (95% CI 10.37–13.95), and 10.35% at 12 months, six months after removal (95% CI 8.38–12.32). Some weight is commonly regained after the balloon comes out.	Intragastric Balloon Versus Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty for the Treatment of Obesity: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, Obes Surg 2020;30:3010-29
Rate of serious complications after ESG	Approximately 1.5–2.3%, as reported in the literature.	ASGE–ESGE Joint Guideline, Gastrointest Endosc 2024;99:867-85 · SOFFCOMM Position Statement, J Visc Surg 2025;162:71-78
Recovery	Most patients recover quickly and usually go home the same day.	Both procedures are endoscopic or needle-based, with no surgical incision.

What the evidence does not yet answer

Long-term data is still limited. Both ESG and GAE are still accumulating long-term follow-up data; most studies report on the first few years.
An average is not a prediction. Figures on this page are group averages. Individual results differ with age, existing conditions, behaviour and aftercare.
These procedures are not suitable for everyone. Some conditions rule them out. Assessment by a doctor is not a step that can be skipped.
A procedure does not replace behaviour change. In the published studies, participants also received nutritional support and follow-up. The reported results are the result of the whole programme, not the procedure alone.

Who reviewed this page

Written and reviewed by the medical team at YOUNIFY Clinic — Noppachai Siranart, M.D., Founder; with postdoctoral research experience at Brigham & Women's Hospital / Harvard Medical School and Mayo Clinic.

Last reviewed: 23 August 2026 · Review cycle: every 6 months, or whenever a new practice guideline is published

Frequently asked questions

Why does a clinic publish a page of research?: Because most of what is written online about weight-loss procedures and knee treatment does not say where its numbers came from. Every figure we publish has its source on this page so you can check it yourself.
What does the 15–18% figure for ESG actually mean?: It is the average reduction in total body weight over the first year reported in the published studies. The range comes from the two meta-analyses that look at ESG specifically: 16.5% (95% CI 15.2–17.8) across 8 studies of 1,772 patients (Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020;18:1043-53), and 17.51% (95% CI 16.44–18.58) across 9 studies of 1,979 patients (Obes Surg 2020;30:3010-29). The one randomised trial reported 13.6% at 52 weeks (Lancet 2022;400:441-51), below that range. All of these are averages for a study population, not a figure that applies to everyone. Results vary between individuals.
How often do complications happen with ESG?: The rate of serious complications reported in the literature is approximately 1.5–2.3% (ASGE–ESGE Joint Guideline, Gastrointest Endosc 2024;99:867-85; SOFFCOMM Position Statement, J Visc Surg 2025;162:71-78). That is a figure for the study population; your own risk has to be assessed by a doctor.
Can I read the original research myself?: Yes. Every entry on this page links to its source, and you can ask our medical team for further references at your consultation.

To discuss how this evidence applies to your case, message our medical team on LINE.

Talk to our medical team

Individual results may vary. Please consult a doctor before treatment.