New diet braces close the jaw

Millimeters: This is the large – or small – size of the gap that “DentalSlim-Diet-Control” wearers keep eating. This means: only liquid food is possible. The device is designed to be loud press release The first of its kind in the world researchers from the University of Otago in New Zealand. They want to help fight the “global obesity epidemic”.

The DentalSlim-Diet-Control is the so-called intraoral device: miniature dental braces that are attached to the upper and lower molars by the dentist. It uses magnetic devices with a specially made locking screw to prevent the mouth from opening by more than 2mm. The university said that in the event of an emergency, the carrier can remove it using the tool provided. at a study But none of the participants did so with the device.

“One of the most horrific things I’ve seen in my life”

But the well-intentioned development, which made the study subjects an average weight loss of 6.36 kilograms, does not go well with everyone: on Twitter, where the university shared news about the new device, repeatedly from the “torture” device “speech. Others direct their speech To the researchers: “You are scary, get help and please be ashamed.” Userin Sweet Potato comments: “This is one of the most horrific things I have ever seen.”

In fact, their son Apart reminds us of an outdated practice: In the 1970s and 80s there was a time when doctors plugged their patients’ jaws for up to a year to help them lose weight. But the procedure has risks: vomiting carries with it the risk of suffocation and after nine to twelve months patients develop periodontal disease. In some cases there were persistent problems with restricted jaw movement and some of them developed severe psychiatric conditions.

Explanation and explanation

But DentalSlim-Diet-Control should have nothing in common with this, the university was quick to explain in light of the massive wave of indignation: “The device is not intended as a quick or long-term weight loss tool.” Instead, it is intended to help people who have to undergo surgery but cannot have it because they weigh too much. Or for people with type 2 diabetes, for whom losing weight can help.

“After two or three weeks, you can remove the magnet and remove the device. You can then follow a less restrictive diet and then go back to treatment. This will enable a gradual approach to weight loss, with the help of expert nutritionist advice,” the updated statement said.

university correction

“The main obstacle for people to successfully lose weight is the persistence it takes to establish new habits so that they can follow a low-calorie diet for a certain period of time,” said lead professor Paul Brunton. “It really does keep the process going.” In addition, it is a non-surgical, reversible, economical and attractive alternative to surgical interventions.

The last point still resonates with the Twitterer. At first, he thought the device was terrible, comment user Wolfgang Müller said. In the second it was different: “If you can avoid stomach surgery with it, is it worth it?”

(Basic/drawing by Annabelle Rebelling)