The ‘DentalSlim Diet Control’ device.
(Picture: Photo Credit: University of Otago)University researchers have developed a “world first” weight-loss device that locks users’ mouths shut via magnets, thus restricting them to a liquid diet.
The device, called the DentalSlim Diet Control, is regarded as “effective, safe, and affordable tool for people battling obesity” according to University of Otago Health Sciences Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Brunton, who also served as lead researcher for clinical studies on the device.
Otago and UK researchers have developed a world-first weight-loss device to help fight the global obesity epidemic: an intra-oral device that restricts a person to a liquid diet. Read more: https://t.co/eLhXwipiqs pic.twitter.com/Of6v3uvVbX
— University of Otago (@otago) June 28, 2021
While seemingly barbaric at first glance, the research team says that its purpose is to help fight the global obesity epidemic.
According to the University of Otago, 1.9 billion adults worldwide are overweight and 650 million are obese, resulting in about 2.8 million deaths a year. It is estimated about 57 per cent of the world’s adult population will be overweight or obese by 2030.
“The main barrier for people for successful weight loss is compliance and this helps them establish new habits, allowing them to comply with a low-calorie diet for a period of time. It really kick-starts the process,” Brunton said.
“It is a non-invasive, reversible, economical and attractive alternative to surgical procedures. The fact is, there are no adverse consequences with this device.”
The press release notes this device “could be particularly helpful for those having to lose weight before they can undergo [bariatric] surgery, and for diabetes patients for whom weight loss could initiate remission.”
After two or three weeks they can have the magnets disengaged and device removed. They could then have a period with a less restricted diet and then go back into treatment. This would allow for a phased approach to weight loss supported by advice from a dietician.
— University of Otago (@otago) June 28, 2021
The DentalSlim Diet Control does “allow free speech and doesn’t restrict breathing,” though it only allows wearers to open their mouths approximately 2mm — or .07 inches.
I can’t imagine how mortifying it would be to wear this thing. Sorry, I’m a fat person so I’m unable to talk, brush my teeth, sneeze, cough?!
— Platinum Pixie (@platinumpixienz) June 28, 2021
According to clinical studies published in the British Dental Journal, researchers had to specifically allow for the mechanism to be disengaged to allow for participants to clean their teeth after seven days. “No participants reported bad breath or gingival soreness” the study said.
However, participants did report experiencing “occasional discomfort,” and that they “felt that life in general was less satisfying” while wearing the device. They also had “trouble pronouncing some words,” though they “felt tense and embarrassed ‘only occasionally.”
"Nevertheless, all the participants got accustomed to the device during the treatment period and were able to work effectively in their usual employment."
— Dr. Sara Leiste (@SaraFeistiness) June 28, 2021
Well, at least the torture device didn't stop them from contributing to capitalism. I mean, that would be bad.
Critics of the device are troubled by it, drawing comparisons to torture techniques.
All the STEM STEM STEM STEM push in the last few years is finally bearing the fruit we humanities people have been saying it would.
— sassmaster tabby (@robo_tabby) June 28, 2021
Brilliant, I'd like to submit my idea for a device to help short people be taller. pic.twitter.com/5WYp26VbJ3
— Ika Makimaki (fish monkey) (@pezmico) June 28, 2021
The device also draws parallels to “jaw wiring,” or inter-maxillary fixation, a medical procedure during which oral surgeons wire the jaw mostly shut, customarily used to treat jaw fractures. In the1970s and 1980s however, jaw-wiring was utilized as a technique for weight loss, but was quickly debunked by Vanderbilt University researchers as an “ineffective means of controlling weight,” as majority of participants gained weight back after regaining full control of their jaws.
Fuck’s sake - there was a period 40 or 50 yrs ago when they wired people’s jaws together to achieve weight loss but they abandoned it because as soon as it was removed there was weight regain. This is just an iteration of wiring jaws shut
— Where do the minerals come from for the EV future? (@suavelyunsubtle) June 28, 2021
Delete this. Delete the research team. Delete everything.
— Dr. Raven the Science Maven (@ravenscimaven) June 28, 2021
Others have taken to Twitter to express concern over New Zealands nation-wide problem with fatphobia.
New Zealand hates fat people. There are people who are living there for decades but are being denied citizenship because they are fat and would be a "burden on the system." Not based on their health, just their weight.
— Juju Bee (@notbeforenoon) June 28, 2021
a holistic solution to obesity that focuses on its socio-economic roots and promotes access (time, cost, etc) to healthy, sustainable diets? no, let's bolt fatties' mouths shut and put them on a forced juice cleanse!
— Katjo Buissink ✏️ (@proletarikat) June 28, 2021
