Intragastric botox, explained honestly.
An endoscopic injection that aims to curb appetite for a few months. What it really costs abroad, the honest limits of the evidence, and why it is not a substitute for surgery. We never name a clinic.
from €1,000 abroad
then it wears off
day case
Is it worth going abroad?
Intragastric botox, sometimes called stomach or gastric botox, costs roughly £2,000 to £3,500 privately in the UK, and it is not available on the NHS. Abroad, in markets such as Turkey, the injection alone is often quoted from about €1,000 to €1,500, with all inclusive packages commonly around €2,000 to €2,500. The honest point worth making first is that the effect lasts only about four to six months and the evidence for meaningful, lasting weight loss is limited and mixed.
Costs below are indicative ranges, reviewed October 2025, and vary by your circumstances, the technique used, and what a package includes. They are not a quote and not a promise of a result.
The procedure, in plain terms.
Intragastric botox injects botulinum toxin into the muscle of the stomach wall during a short endoscopy, with no surgery and no cutting. The toxin relaxes part of the stomach muscle, which slows stomach emptying so food stays longer and you feel full sooner and eat less. The effect is temporary, typically lasting about four to six months as the toxin wears off. It is marketed as a low commitment option, but it is best understood as a short term appetite aid rather than a weight loss operation.
Who it tends to suit. People with a modest amount of weight to lose who want a temporary, non surgical aid alongside a diet and lifestyle programme, and who understand the effect is short lived. Studies suggest it works best with an adequate dose, multiple injection sites, and diet support.
Who it tends not to suit. People expecting surgical scale results, those who want a lasting change without habit change, and anyone hoping it will replace an operation. The evidence is mixed, so realistic expectations are essential.
The price, honestly.
Because it is a quick endoscopic injection with no surgery, it is among the cheaper weight options, and abroad the price falls further. The cost varies with the dose used and whether diet support is included, both of which affect whether it works at all.
Indicative ranges, reviewed October 2025, mixing currencies because that is how clinics quote them. Not a quote. A low price for a small dose may be poor value if the evidence suggests a larger dose is needed to have an effect.
Ask what dose is used, whether diet and dietitian support is included, and what the realistic expectation is, since results are mixed. For a fuller breakdown see our cost by country guide.
What can go wrong.
The procedure is low risk compared with surgery, and serious complications are uncommon in the studies to date, but the bigger issue is that the benefit is modest and temporary.
Trials report inconsistent results. Average weight loss in studies is modest, in the region of a few kilograms, and some studies show little benefit over diet alone, so it is not a reliable route to large weight loss.
The toxin wears off in about four to six months. Without diet and lifestyle change during that window, any weight lost tends to return.
As with any endoscopy under sedation there are small risks of a reaction to sedation, a sore throat, and very rarely injury to the stomach or gullet.
Some people notice indigestion, bloating, or nausea while the effect is present.
Because the effect is small and short lived, the value depends heavily on pairing it with a genuine diet and lifestyle programme.
The main issue is not an emergency but disappointment, paying to travel for a modest, temporary effect. If a rare complication of the endoscopy does occur, it may appear after you are home, so know who would manage it.
Six questions before you pay.
A safe clinic answers all six in writing without flinching. Vague answers, pressure to book quickly, and prices far below the market are the warning signs that matter most. We do not name clinics, so use these to judge any you are sent.
Recovery, and what happens once you are home.
First days
A mild sore throat or bloating can follow the endoscopy. Most people return to normal activity quickly.
First weeks
Appetite is reduced as stomach emptying slows. This is the window to build diet and lifestyle habits with support.
Months of effect
The appetite effect lasts about four to six months. Weight loss in this period is usually modest.
After it wears off
The toxin clears and the stomach returns to normal. Whether any loss holds depends on the habits built while it was active.
The main follow up issue is realistic expectation, since the effect is modest and temporary. If a rare endoscopy complication occurs it may appear once you are home, so know who would manage it and keep your diet support going locally.
Standard travel insurance rarely covers elective procedures or their complications. Read the policy closely and consider dedicated medical complications cover before you book.
Now you know what to ask, compare safely.
Send one brief and we route it to vetted clinics that meet the standards above. They return tailored plans and all in prices. You choose, with no pressure.
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How we make money: the guides are free and no clinic can pay to be named, ranked or recommended. We never name clinics. Get Matched is an optional service that helps keep the guides free and independent of any one clinic; using it is always your choice and you are never charged. How this works.
The things everyone asks.
How much does intragastric botox cost?
In the UK it costs roughly £2,000 to £3,500 privately and is not on the NHS. Abroad, in markets such as Turkey, the injection alone is often quoted from about €1,000 to €1,500, with packages around €2,000 to €2,500. These are indicative ranges, reviewed October 2025.
Does gastric botox actually work?
Evidence is mixed. Studies show modest average weight loss, in the region of a few kilograms, and some show little benefit over diet alone. It is best seen as a short term appetite aid, not a reliable route to large weight loss.
How long does the effect last?
About four to six months, as the botulinum toxin wears off. Without diet and lifestyle change during that window, weight tends to return.
Is intragastric botox safe?
The procedure is low risk compared with surgery, and serious complications are uncommon in studies so far. The bigger issue is the modest and temporary benefit.
Is it a substitute for weight loss surgery?
No. It produces far less weight loss than a sleeve or bypass and the effect is temporary. It should not be presented as an alternative to surgery.
Where to go next.
Intragastric Botox cost by country
Guide liveThe indicative price ranges, what drives them, and why abroad differs from home.
Weight loss surgery safety
Guide liveThe reference guide on staying safe when you travel for this kind of treatment.
How to choose safely
On this pageThe six questions that separate a safe clinic from a risky one, and the red flags.
You can also Get Matched with a vetted clinic or browse all procedures.
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