Dubbed "plastic-eating" or "plastic wrap dieting", this trend is attracting millions of views on social media platforms such as TikTok, X, and Douyin.
The method involves wrapping food in plastic film, placing it in the mouth to savor the flavor, and then spitting it out entirely. Proponents believe this chewing action "fools" the brain, creating a false sense of fullness without actually consuming calories, thereby enabling rapid weight control.
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A girl eating through plastic wrap. Photo: India Times |
However, from a medical perspective, this practice carries numerous risks. Dr. Kapil Sharma, Director of Gastroenterology at Yatharth General Hospital in India, asserts there is no scientific basis for "chew and spit" helping with weight loss.
"For the body to process calories, food must enter the digestive system. Chewing without swallowing does not alter energy balance or reduce body fat," he explained.
Physically, Dr. Sharma warns that chewing plastic wrap can easily lead to choking or foreign body ingestion. The friction during chewing also causes microplastic particles and toxic chemicals to detach, mixing with saliva and entering the digestive tract.
Even more concerning are the mental health consequences. Dr. Munia Bhattacharya, a clinical psychologist, notes that this habit bears a strong resemblance to an eating disorder.
Psychologists believe this trend is particularly dangerous for adolescents because it creates a false sense of self-control. When eating—a fundamental need for bodily nourishment—is transformed into a "performance," it signals deep psychological distress that requires intervention.
"Intentionally chewing and spitting out food will instill a link between eating and guilt in the brain. Over time, this habit disrupts natural hunger and satiety signals, pushing individuals into body image obsession," she analyzed.
The bizarre, extreme, and dramatic nature is precisely why the plastic wrap dieting trend spreads rapidly. In the world of social media, shocking images often attract more viewers than dry medical advice.
Dr. Sharma emphasizes that safe weight management must be built on a balanced diet and regular exercise. "There are no shortcuts to weight loss, especially not through toxic plastic films," he stated.
Bao Nhien (According to India Times/NTDV)
