Weight-loss device uses magnets to clamp your TEETH together

In a jaw-dropping attempt to curb the obesity epidemic, scientists have created a weight-loss device that uses magnets and locking bolts to clamp the teeth together.

DentalSlim Diet Control, created by researchers at the University of Otago in New Zealand, is fitted by a dental professional to the upper and lower back teeth. 

It only lets the wearer open their mouths by about 2mm, restricting them to a liquid diet, but without preventing speech or – more importantly – breathing. 

Once fitted, the device aims to stop anyone from gorging on solid foods that may go against their strict diet plan. 

The creators describe it as ‘non-invasive’ – even though it requires ‘custom-manufactured locking bolts’ clamped inside the mouth.  

In trials detailed in the British Dental Journal, participants lost an average of one stone (6.36kg) in two weeks and ‘were motivated to continue with their weight loss journey’, the experts claim. 

This is not a joke: DentalSlim Diet Control has been created as a way to curb obesity – by clamping the mouth shut

Lead researcher, Professor Paul Brunton at the University of Otago, thinks the device will be an effective, safe and affordable tool for people battling obesity. 

DentalSlim Diet Control can be released by the user in the case of an emergency and can be repeatedly fitted and removed. 

‘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. It really kick-starts the process,’ Professor Brunton said.  

Being overweight or obese results in about 2.8 million deaths a year, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Pictured, a morbidly obese man 

‘It is a non-invasive, reversible, economical and attractive alternative to surgical procedures. The fact is, there are no adverse consequences with this device.’

The tool could be helpful for those having to lose weight to undergo surgery, and for diabetes patients for whom weight loss could initiate remission.  

DentalSlim Diet Control is also a better option than expensive weight loss surgery, according to the Otago team, which costs thousands of pounds.

Weight loss surgery plays a major role in the management of morbid obesity, but it cannot be relied upon to manage the global epidemic of obesity, Professor Brunton believes. 

MailOnline has contacted Professor Brunton regarding how much the DentalSlim Diet Control would cost, and how far away it is from appearing on the market. 

The practice of surgically wiring people’s jaws shut became popular in the 1980s, but it came with risks – namely, vomiting and the risk of choking, as well as gum disease after long-term use. 

In some cases, there were continuing issues with restriction of jaw movement and some developed acute psychiatric conditions. 

‘Alternative strategies are required which may obviate surgery, or which reduce weight prior to surgery and so make it easier and safer,’ Professor Brunton said. 

‘The beauty of it is that once patients are fitted with the device, after two or three weeks they can have the magnets disengaged. 

‘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 support- term weight loss goals to be realised.’

In the trials, the volunteers were given a tool to open the device in an emergency, but none of them needed to use it. 

They all described the device as ‘tolerable’. However, the design has since been improved, making it smaller to improve comfort. 

‘Overall, people felt better about themselves, they had more confidence and they were committed to their weight loss journey,’ Professor Brunton said. 

‘It’s hard yards – patients who really want to do this have to be committed.

‘But for those people who are really struggling – and let’s face it, that’s millions of people across the world – this is a way of getting them back into normal lifestyle diet habits by really pump priming the process. 

‘This could actually help a lot of people.’ 

The terms ‘obese’ and ‘overweight’ are based on body mass index (BMI) – a measure of body fat based on your weight in relation to your height. 

Recent studies revealed 1.9 billion adults worldwide are overweight (with a BMI of between 25 and 29.9) and 650 million are obese (with a BMI of 30 or more). 

Being overweight or obese results in about 2.8 million deaths a year, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). 

It is also estimated about 57 per cent of the world’s adult population will be overweight or obese by 2030.