Dhara
On June 7th, the FDA approved the use of a weight loss device that has often been described as “Assisted Bulimia”. It pumps food out of the client’s stomach, removing about 30 percent of the stored food before it causes weight gain. Named AspireAssist, critics say that this might be the most peculiar invention the U.S. has ever endorsed.
The USDA does seem to have some valid reasons for endorsing the AspireAssist. Firstly, the device has proven to be effective. Patients on clinical trials have lost an average of 46 pounds on the first year and a total of 50 pounds by the second year. And secondly, the U.S. has one of the highest O=obese populations in the world.
Recent data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows that 38 percent of adults and 17 percent of teenagers in the United States fall under the criteria for obesity. The FDA has also stated its intentions clearly upon approving the device.
“The AspireAssist device should not be used on patients with eating disorders, and is not intended to be used for short durations in those who are moderately overweight,” says the FDA. Obesity is one of the most prevalent diseases in the United States. If the use of the AspireAssist continues under the guidelines stated by the FDA, then this so called “Assisted Bulimia” device could be the best alternative for curing obesity in America.