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What Is China’s ‘Plastic-Eating’ Weight Loss Trend? Is It Worth The Effort?

China has taken things to a different level with people switching to 'eating plastic' to lose weight. It is just as bizarre as it sounds.

by Tanvi Shrivastava
What Is China’s ‘Plastic-Eating’ Weight Loss Trend? Is It Worth The Effort?

We, people, love trying different types of diets, believing that they will help us lose weight. Adding to the list is the new viral trend, China’s ‘plastic-eating trend’. Sounds weird, right? Read on to know what exactly it means.

What Is China’s Plastic Eating’ Trend?

China has taken things to a different level with people switching to ‘eating plastic‘ to lose weight. It is just as bizarre as it sounds. One might wonder what it is, and we are here to tell you just that. People place a thin piece of plastic in their mouths before eating the food. They then chew the food, keep it in their mouth for a while, and take it out with the plastic instead of swallowing. We know it’s ridiculous, but well, it is what it is.

Also Read: This Jaipur Hotel Turns Leftover Food Into Happiness! Viral Video Shows Staff Feeding The Needy

The whole idea behind the trend is to trick the brain into feeling like they have eaten while having little to no food, all in an attempt at weight loss. This trend is based on the idea of feeling full without actually eating. As per a report by News18, what many people may not realise is that in the name of weight loss, they are intentionally putting microplastics into their bodies that can be super harmful.

Is It Really Worth It?

But is it really worth all the hassle? Well, not really. An expert told the portal that such an extreme diet may also lead to short-term weight loss and can affect metabolism and make you weaker over time. The whole concept of plastic eating does not lead to real or healthy weight loss, as your body is not burning fat properly and is instead losing water, muscle, and essential nutrients, which can make you even weaker. This kind of diet can help you gain weight back to normal once you start eating normally. Meanwhile, the portal also stated how important it is to understand that the feeling of fullness can trick the brain.

The main cause of the trend is not how to trick the brain but also how this trend is toxic for multiple reasons. It may seem like a shortcut to weight loss, but it can seriously harm both body and mind and can lead to severe health issues.

Also Read: Beat The Heat With Gond Katira: 5 Easy Ways To Include This Superfood In Your Diet

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.

Cover Image Courtesy: Freepik

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First Published: April 24, 2026 12:55 PM

FAQs

What happens if plastic is swallowed?

If you swallow a small piece, it should pass through your digestive system without causing harm.

Can our bodies digest plastic?

No, the human body cannot digest plastic.

What is called diet?

A diet is the total sum of food and drink a person or animal habitually consumes.