The "brain-deceiving diet" trend has recently spread across Chinese social media platforms. Proponents claim this method allows individuals to fully "enjoy" food flavors without absorbing any calories by covering their mouths with plastic wrap, chewing, and then expelling the food. This practice has attracted a large number of young people eager for weight loss, according to China Times. However, experts warn that this method poses significant health risks.

From a scientific perspective, Wu Shiying, a lecturer in the Department of Food Science and Health at the Hong Kong Institute of Higher Education, states that directly chewing plastic wrap is akin to "swallowing poison." Continuous friction between teeth and the plastic under strong pressure can tear the wrap's structure, creating microplastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter. These fragments, when ingested, can irritate the intestinal tract and lead to inflammation. Furthermore, plastic's lipophilic nature means it easily binds to fats in food, absorbing organic toxins from the environment, such as plasticizers, and transporting them directly into liver and kidney cells.

Shiying further explains that high temperatures and fats from hot food can dissolve chemical additives present in the plastic wrap, accelerating the migration of plastic molecules into the body. Humans lack the enzymes necessary to break down microplastics. When the rate of ingesting these harmful micro-substances exceeds the body's ability to excrete them, they accumulate permanently in fat tissue and internal organs.

Regarding its effectiveness for weight loss, family doctor Zhang Yongde clarifies that this is an act of self-deception. The body signals "fullness" to the brain only when food enters the digestive tract and stimulates the release of the GLP-1 hormone. Chewing and spitting food through plastic wrap cannot produce this hormone, thus offering no weight loss benefits.

Illustrative photo: Douyin

Conversely, the act of chewing deceives the brain into anticipating food intake, prompting the stomach to secrete large amounts of gastric acid. If prolonged, this condition can lead to gastritis, stomach ulcers, acid reflux, and intensify food cravings. Moreover, if the plastic wrap tears during chewing, fragments could enter the trachea, causing choking, or lead to intestinal obstruction. When microplastics and plasticizers enter the bloodstream, they damage the liver's filtering membrane, increasing the risk of fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

Beyond physical harm, this habit also reflects underlying mental health issues. Clinical psychologist Liang Zhongmin notes that chewing and spitting food is a symptom of eating disorders or bulimia nervosa. Individuals engaging in this behavior often experience immense psychological pressure or possess a distorted perception of their own appearance.

Experts advise family members to refrain from criticism or scolding if they discover this behavior. Judgment only causes shame and encourages the individual to conceal their actions. Instead, family members should offer support, understanding, and proactively seek help from a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist for timely treatment of any potential psychological damage.

Binh Minh (According to China Times, iCable News)