A new leaf is being turned in the realm of Weight Loss, and the FDA is the gust of wind causing it.
The Maestro Rechargeable Device is the first weight loss device to be passed by the FDA since 2007. It involves two electrically charged leads which are implanted into the stomach, accompanied by a regulator also carried in the skin. The system sends out intermittent electrical currents to the bodies vagus nerve, preventing the stomach from relaxing, thus expanding, and wanting more food.
Although the price of this device is very high, I feel that it has the potential to help many people and the market for obese individuals in a dire state of helplessness is certainly not in short supply. I feel that it is a big move for the FDA to approve such a device, and it appears as though they are acknowledging the need for this drastic measure in ending the obesity epidemic.
One aspect I found to be a bit shocking, however, is that while the FDA passes this device into the market, they are still allowing Big Tech companies like Apple, to run Health Applications that are not regulated. Apple has been fighting tooth and nail to keep their Health App unregulated by the FDA. To me, this begs the question, why? What are they trying to avoid? Or worse, what are they trying to hide?
One of Apple's major arguments as to why their products come equipped with a Health Application has a place in this world is that they have a moral obligation to do more for the health of their users.
This is an interesting point and one that I have been considering these past few weeks.With such a large platform of users, would it be considered wrong for Big Tech companies to not expand their products into a more involved aspect of influence in the lives of their users when it is their health at stake?
OR...Is it worse for these companies, (Apple, Fitbit), to continue promoting the "Health Technology" they have as more effective and accurate than they really are? Below is an expert from an article discussing these claims.
The Journal of the American Medical Association's above conclusion supports what I have been attempting to put into words all semester.
We should not turn to technology, such as Fitbit's and Apple Watches, to provide us the motivation to make health behavior changes. Just as we cannot rely on social media to make us happy, to feel valued or loved. These technologies can certainly act as a resource for behavior change, but the motivation behind the change needs to come from within the person. You must want to change for the good of your health, otherwise, your motivation will wear off with the shininess and appeal of the new technology.
Watch the video below for a final summation of my thoughts on this topic!