Weight loss tool leaves people unable to open mouths
Scientists have invented a device that stops people eating by holding their mouths shut.
The University of Otago in New Zealand says the DentalSlim Diet Control is a "world-first weight-loss device to help fight the global obesity epidemic".
They said it is fitted by a dentist, and only allows people to open their mouth 2mm, "restricting them to a liquid diet".
"It allows free speech and doesn't restrict breathing," they clarified on the University website.
The University said a trial in the city of Dunedin-based people caused subjects to lose an average of 6.36kg in two weeks.
Lead researcher, University of Otago Health Sciences Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Brunton, said the invention was "effective, safe, and affordable".
"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," he said
"It really kick-starts the process."
However, people on Twitter called the invasion "horrific" and and compared it to a medieval torture device.
Meanwhile, the British Dental Journal reported some of the seven people on the trial "had trouble pronouncing some words," but "felt tense and embarrassed only occasionally."
It noted: "One patient admitted to 'cheating', consuming melted chocolate and fizzy drinks."
After the backlash, the University tweeted that the device could be removed after two or three weeks, was not a quick or long-term weight loss tool, and was aimed to help people lose weight for surgery.
https://www.9news.com.au/world/weight-loss-diet-device-unable-open-mouth-university-otago/a07ad730-e558-43df-8d46-e6771e5ec94d