Genius or torture? : They have created a device that helps you lose weight by closing your teeth with a padlock | the Chronicle

A team of researchers from the University of Otago, New Zealand, in collaboration with British scientists, developed a controversial device that they promote will help fight “global obesity epidemic“.

His name is ‘DentalSlim Diet Control’ and consists of a kind of padlock that works by force of magnets. Contains stainless steel metal bands that are placed over the first molar teeth, both upper and lower, using cement and orthodontic posts made from glass ionomer.

The strength of the magnets means the user can only open their mouth about 2 millimeters. The developers claim that he can speak and breathe freely, but that by having such a small opening, you will be forced to maintain a liquid diet.

Tests on volunteers

To have a return, they made a study attended by seven Dunedin volunteers. All were obese patients and as recently published by the British Dental Journal, in two weeks they lost an average of 6.36 kilograms.

“The main obstacle to successful weight loss is adherence to the diet, and this device helps to develop new habits, allowing you to maintain a low-calorie diet for a while“, assured the main author of the scientific work, Paul Brunton. Hence, they believe it will be a safe and inexpensive tool to help those struggling with overweight.

The research team consisted of Professor Brunton, Dr. Jithendra Ratnayake, The doctor. Pierre Mei and dr. Arthi Veerasamy, all from the University of Otago, Dr. Jonathan bodansky, from Leeds, and Dr. Richard hall, from RMH Consultancy, Leeds.

Test participants said they sometimes felt uncomfortable and felt their life had been less satisfying since using it.; However, they also said that they were satisfied with the results achieved and that the DentalSlim this had encouraged them to continue losing weight.

How to use the “padlock”

Scientists explained that the placement should be done by a dentist, but they assured that in case of emergency the same user can remove it. On the other hand, they said that it can be put on and taken off repeatedly.

So far, it has not experienced any side effects, but it should be taken into account that the number of people who have tried it is limited. “It is a non-invasive, reversible, economical and attractive alternative to surgical procedures“, Brunton added.

The idea is that users put it on for two to three weeks, then stop a slightly more permissive diet, and then put it back on. On the other hand, they recommend the DentalSlim Diet Control for those who need to lose weight before surgery, as well as for diabetic patients, because in some cases the weight loss also leads to remission of the disease.

“This would allow for a gradual approach to weight loss supported by dietician guidance, allowing long term weight loss goals to be achieved.“, they condemned.