New Delhi: A dangerous weight loss trend circulating on Chinese social media has raised fresh concerns after several people reportedly ended up in hospital with severe dehydration and digestive complications. Doctors are now urging people not to try the viral drink, warning that it offers no real weight loss benefits and could put lives at risk.
The trend claims that drinking a mixture of sugar free tea and the contents of a glycerin enema can help people lose as much as four kilograms in just two days. Videos promoting the drink have gained significant attention online, with users describing it as a quick and effortless way to shed weight. Medical experts, however, say the claims are misleading and scientifically baseless.
According to doctors, the apparent drop in weight comes from excessive fluid loss and repeated bowel movements rather than the burning of body fat. Any weight lost through dehydration is temporary and can quickly return once the body is rehydrated.
The health risks became evident after several people who followed the online advice reported severe side effects. One woman, identified only by her surname, Ma, said she began feeling ill less than half an hour after drinking the mixture. She experienced continuous diarrhoea and vomiting throughout the night and eventually sought medical treatment when her condition failed to improve.
Doctors explained that glycerin enemas are designed strictly for rectal use to relieve constipation and should never be consumed orally. Drinking the product can severely irritate the digestive tract, trigger dehydration, and disturb the body’s electrolyte balance. In serious cases, these complications can affect the kidneys, heart and other vital organs, especially if medical attention is delayed.
Health professionals say the incident highlights the growing influence of viral wellness trends that promise dramatic results without scientific evidence. Social media platforms have become flooded with quick fix weight loss hacks, many of which are promoted by influencers rather than qualified healthcare professionals. Experts warn that people looking for rapid transformations are often the most vulnerable to such misleading claims.
Doctors also caution that repeated vomiting and diarrhoea can leave the body dangerously low on essential minerals such as sodium and potassium. Electrolyte imbalance can cause dizziness, muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat and, in severe cases, life threatening complications. Individuals with existing health conditions face an even greater risk.
Nutritionists stress that there is no shortcut to healthy and sustainable weight loss. Losing body fat requires a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and long term lifestyle changes rather than extreme methods that place unnecessary stress on the body. They advise anyone planning a weight loss programme to seek guidance from qualified medical professionals instead of relying on unverified online trends.
The latest incident serves as another reminder that not everything promoted on social media is safe. While viral challenges and wellness hacks may appear convincing, health experts say it is essential to verify medical advice through trusted sources before trying any new diet or treatment. What may be advertised as a miracle solution can quickly turn into a medical emergency.
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