Scientists have been faced with fury following the development of a 'world-first weght-loss devive' that locks people's jaws and prevents them from consuming any foods other than in liquid form. Users on Twitter question the ethics of the practice, whilst some of them have been comparing it to a 'medieval torture device'.
DentalSlim Diet Control, the jaw-clamping device, is comprised of magnets that attach to the first top and bottom molar teeth, which stop the jaw from opening more than 2 millimitres (0.079 inches) wide. The user however can open the device in an emergency.
The device was developed by researchers from the University of Otago in New Zealand who recently published their findings in a paper in Natur's British Dental Journal. The study observed 7 obese individuals who had to wear the device for two weeks and were subject to a strictly liquid diet. The data showed that these individuals lost 6.36 kilograms (14 pounds) on average, and were keen 'to continue with their weight loss journey'.
Lead researcher of the study, Professor Paul Brunton, said in a press release:
"It is a non-invasive, reversible, economical and attractive alternative to surgical procedures. The fact is, there are no adverse consequences with this device."
But after a press release for the research was circulated on Twitter, hundreds of people raised criticism.
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
This research team is like “you know, the Human Centipede guy actually made some valid points”
— mäther! (@carlysintothat) June 28, 2021
90% sure this is in breach of a few health and war crime laws
— AusSyndie🏴🚩 (@AusSyndicalist) June 28, 2021
One Twitter user joked:
"Have you considered wiring the professors fingers together so they can do less of this?" one Twitter user joked.
Have you considered wiring the professors fingers together so they can do less of this?
— SnarkyMcSnark (@snarky_mk) June 28, 2021
While another said:
"And this, kids, is why ethics needs to be taught in science. Good God, I thought medicine was past these kinds of torture devices," said another.
And this, kids, is why ethics needs to be taught in science.
— Justin Boot ∞ (@Polymathically) June 28, 2021
Good God, I thought medicine was past these kinds of torture devices.
Some highlighted that the paper notes:
"After 24 hours, the participants indicated that they occasionally felt embarrassed, self-conscious and that life, in general, was less satisfying."
Following the negative comments the research gathered from the public, the University of Otago released a statement in response in which they said:
"To clarify, the intention of the device is not intended as a quick or long-term weight-loss tool; rather it is aimed to assist people who need to undergo surgery and who cannot have the surgery until they have lost weight."
They added:
"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," they added.
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
[h/t: IFL Science]
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