“This is why ethics needs to be taught in science, this is horrible,” another adds.
One commenter directly addresses the research findings, arguing: “You wrote, ‘obese people may suffer eating disorders together with stigmatization and discrimination’. Yet, your device is doing the exact thing. This is the definition of disordered eating!”
However the lead behind the project, Professor Paul Brunton, is defending the device, saying it’s effective, safe, and doesn’t disrupt speech when worn.
Prof Brunton told Newshub he thinks the Twitter comments are based on a misunderstanding of his research.
“The device is for people who are morbidly obese who need to lose weight rapidly for medical reasons.”
Otago University also tried to calm the angry commenters on Twitter by re-tweeting: “The intention of the device is not intended as a quick or long-term weight-loss tool.
“It is aimed to assist people who need to undergo surgery and who cannot have the surgery until they have lost weight.”
It only allows the wearer to open their mouth 2mm and restricts them to a liquid diet.
