From the Vancouver Sun.

It’s not a magic bullet for obesity. But a new retainer-like device that keeps people from scarfing down food faster than the gut can signal to the brain, “I’m getting full, stop eating,” has proven safe and effective in a new study.

The custom-fitted device is popped in the upper palate only while eating.

Its purpose, as described in the study by Australian researchers, is to “displace oral volume,” thereby forcing people to take smaller bites and chew their food more thoroughly and slowly before swallowing.

Essentially, it’s a mechanical way of getting people to do what their mothers always told them to do: Slow down.