To ascertain the effect on body weight of 14 days of bolus enteral feeding with mixed meal (MM) and electrolyte solution (ES) in ambulatory adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity, and also the safety and feasibility of using a modified, intraorally anchored enteral feeding tube for this purpose. We conducted a randomized, crossover pilot trial with 16 participants. Ten participants withdrew prior to completing two randomized 14-day cycles. Six participants were assessed for the primary outcome and showed no significant difference in weight loss between MM and ES (p = 0.082). Average weight loss from baseline was significant for MM but not for ES: -2.40 kg (95% CI: -3.78, -1.02; p=0.008) vs. -0.64 kg (95% CI: -2.01, 0.74; p = 0.27). A total of 23 2-week cycles were completed with no significant adverse events for 334 days of tube use. Repeated bolus nutrient administration via enteral feeding tube is associated with weight loss in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes, with no significant difference seen between MM and ES feeds. The prototype device was safe, but requires development for further investigation.

E. O. Beale, W. Lee, A. Lee, C. Lee, E. Soffer, P. F. Crookes, K. Eagilen, R. Chen, W. J. Mack, H. Tong