NEW ZEALAND: Researchers at the University of Otago and the UK recently developed the world's first intra-oral weight loss device to help alleviate the obesity issue that exists globally.
Recent studies revealed that 1.9 billion adults globally are overweight, and 650 million are obese, resulting in about 2.8 million deaths yearly. It is estimated that about 57 per cent of the world's adult population will become overweight or obese by 2030.
Paul A. Brunton, the lead author of the research, and colleagues made an intra-oral device named DentalSlim Diet Control which a dentist could fit in an upper and lower back teeth. It can be removed by the user in the case of an emergency and can be repeatedly fitted and removed.
The device holds magnetic components with unique custom-manufactured locking bolts. Meanwhile, it allows the wearer to open their mouths only about 2 millimetres restricting them to a liquid diet, allowing free speech and restricting breathing.
Participants in a trial seemed to lose an average of 6.36 kg (14 pounds) in 2 weeks and were motivated to continue their weight loss journey.
Professor Paul Brunton, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University of Otago Health Sciences, said that the device would be effective, safe, and affordable for people battling obesity.
The research titled "An intraoral device for weight loss: initial clinical findings" has been published in the British Dental Journal.
