South Africa Bariatric Surgery Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2023-2028)

The South African bariatric surgery market is expected to register a CAGR of 4.38% over the forecast period.

COVID-19 has impacted the growth of the bariatric surgery market in the country. Due to the lockdown measures taken by the government, the surgical centres and clinics were shut down to avoid contact as well as the spread of the virus among the population. Bariatric surgeries were considered non-emergent; as a result, these procedures were on hold, and their success rate declined. Hence, the market growth slowed down during the pandemic. However, with the released COVID-19 restrictions, resumed services, and increased patient visits, the market studied is expected to grow over the forecast period.

The increasing number of obese patients and the growing burden of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and others, are boosting the market's growth.

The increasing prevalence of obesity in the South African population is the key factor driving the market growth. As per an article published by the Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases in April 2021, South Africa had the highest prevalence of obesity; by 2025, 47.7% of females, 23.3% of males, and 22.1% of children are expected to be obese in the country. The increase in obesity is expected to increase the demand for bariatric surgery as obese people are at high risk of developing chronic diseases, such as diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases, which would propel the market growth.

The rising burden of chronic diseases is also contributing to the market's growth. Hence, patients are taking measures, such as bariatric surgeries, to prevent obesity. For instance, according to the 2022 statistics published by the IDF, 4.2 million people were living with diabetes in South Africa in 2021. That number is expected to reach 5.4 million by 2030 and 7.4 million by 2045, which is anticipated to boost the growth of the bariatric surgery market over the forecast period.

Therefore, owing to the aforementioned factors, the studied market is expected to increase over the forecast period. However, the high cost of surgery is likely to hinder the market growth over the forecast period.

South Africa Bariatric Surgery Market Trends

Gastric Balloon Segment Expects to Register a High CAGR in the South African Bariatric Surgery Market Over the Forecast Period

The gastric balloon segment is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period, owing to the factors such as the increasing prevalence of obesity among the population and the rising adoption of gastric balloons in surgeries.

A gastric balloon also referred to as an intragastric balloon (IGB) or a stomach balloon, is an inflatable medical tool that is momentarily inserted into the stomach to aid in weight loss. The introduction of new products, increase in patient awareness, collaboration with bariatric surgery centres, and manufacturing optimization to increase operating leverage are some of the factors driving the demand for balloons.

According to the study published by Annals of Translation Medicine in March 2020, the combined TBWL (total body weight reduction) after using the Orbera gastric balloon for six months was 13.16%. In addition, there was a decrease in extra weight by 26.9% compared to other people. The effectiveness of gastric balloons in treating obesity and aiding in weight loss is expected to increase their adoption during surgery, which is anticipated to fuel the segment's growth over the forecast period.

Therefore, owing to the aforementioned factors, the segment is anticipated to witness growth over the forecast period.

Stapling Devices Segment is Expected to Have Significant Market Share Over the Forecast Period

The stapling devices segment is expected to witness growth in South Africa owing to factors such as the rising number of bariatric surgeries and the high prevalence of the obese population.

Stapling devices are used to remove a part of an organ, cut through and seal organs and tissues, and create connections between structures. Thus, most bariatric procedures are currently being performed with mechanical stapling devices, thereby contributing to the overall growth. It is one of the most prominent devices as it frequently leads to more significant and reliable weight loss surgical outcomes for patients, as well as a greater reduction in obesity-related health problems. Some of the companies providing stapling devices in the country include Medtronic, B. Braun Melsungen AG, ConMed Corporation, and others.

According to an article published by Durban Bariatric Surgery in November 2021, it was observed that the patients who underwent bariatric surgery to treat uncontrolled type 2 diabetes experienced greater physical health, more energy, less body pain, and fewer negative effects of diabetes in their daily lives compared to those who were on medical therapy. In addition, metabolic surgery is preferable to medical therapy alone for managing diabetes and losing weight while using a few anti-diabetic drugs. This is anticipated to increase the adoption of metabolic surgeries among the obese as well as the diabetic population, which is expected to increase the demand for stapling devices, hence propelling the segment's growth.

Hence, factors such as the high application of staplers and increasing research studies are propelling the segment's growth, and it is expected to continue during the forecast period.

South Africa Bariatric Surgery Market Competitor Analysis

The South African bariatric surgery market is highly consolidated, with the presence of a few major players. Some of the key players in the market are B. Braun Melsungen AG, Medtronic PLC, Johnson & Johnson, Apollo Endosurgery Inc., Aspire Bariatrics, Intuitive Surgical Inc., Olympus Corporation, the Cooper Companies, and Conmed Corporation.

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