A New Zealand-developed weight loss device has faced unexpected criticism, New Zealand media reported.
According to the report, a research team at the University of Otago in New Zealand announced on Twitter on the 28th that they had developed the world's first weight loss device to be mounted on teeth called 'Dental Slim Diet Control' together with British researchers.
This device is a magnetic device with a locking bolt, and when installed by dentists, the mouth can only be opened 2mm, so there is no problem in speaking or breathing, but the movement of the mouth is limited and can only eat liquid food.
The research team explained that 7 obese patients who participated in the test lost an average of 6.36 kg in two weeks, and that the installation is performed by dentists, but in an emergency, the user can loosen it, and it can be worn or removed repeatedly.
However, as soon as the device was introduced, it was met with criticism.
"It's a torture tool," one Twitter user said in a comment, blaming it as embarrassing to brag about it.
Another user said, "This is why we need to learn ethics from science. It's terrible."
Another user, directly referring to the results of the study, pointed out, "You are pointing out that obese patients suffer from stigma and discrimination as well as eating disorders, and your device is doing just that."
However, Professor Paul Brunton, who led the project, defended their findings, saying the device is effective, safe, and does not interfere with speech.
He said Twitter users' comments appeared to have resulted from a misunderstanding of their research, adding that "this device is intended for morbidly obese patients who need rapid weight loss for medical reasons."
The University of Otago also tweeted that the device is intended to help people who need surgery and is primarily targeted at people who cannot afford surgery without losing weight.