Eating disorder charities have slammed this jaw-locking weight loss device

Weight loss is a complicated thing to get right - with many of us experimenting with different diets and workout routines until we find out what the best thing for our bodies is. 

Fads come and go, while we all know that most extreme diets don't work. But, of course, that doesn't stop some of us from trying. However, a new weight loss tool, which locks the jaw into place and means you can only consume a liquid diet, has come under criticism from eating disorder charities for promoting irresponsible weight loss. 

The device named the DentalSlim Diet Control, which was created by the University of Otago in New Zealand and scientists from Leeds in the UK, is made of magnets and means the mouth can only open 2mm wide - ultimately meaning that anyone who has it fitted can't eat whole foods.

Weight loss should be done slowly, in order to see long term results. If you need some inspiration check out our guide to the best exercises for weight loss.

A study, published in the British Dental Journal, saw women who wore the device, losing an average of 6.36kg – which equated to just over 5 per cent of their body weight. However, the women said that the device was uncomfortable and affected their speech. 

While people on Twitter have called it a 'medieval torture device' and eating disorder charities have called it 'heinous'. Deanne Jade, founder and principal of the National Centre for Eating Disorders (NCFED) told The Independent: “When we talk about weight loss, we’re not talking about something that prevents you from putting food in your mouth. We’re looking for changes in mindset, lifestyle, skills and strategies that people need to learn in order to change their relationship with food for life."

The University launched it on Twitter, calling it a 'world-first weight-loss device to help fight the global obesity epidemic'. However, after criticism, they clarified that it's not intended for everyone. 

They said: "The device is not intended as a quick or long-term weight-loss tool; rather it is aimed to assist people who need to undergo surgery and who cannot have the surgery until they have lost weight."

If you want to start changing your diet and you're looking for healthy ways to cook food check out our guide to the best health grills.