Weight loss trend: Know why people in China are wrapping their mouth with plastic before eating food

Weight loss viral trend: To feel satiated, youngsters in China are wrapping their mouth with plastic before chewing food. (Picture: X)

• Chinese weight loss trend: chewing food with mouth plastic
• Doctors warn the trend is dangerous and can cause choking
• Plastic ingestion can harm organs and release toxic chemicals

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When it comes to losing weight, sometimes people forget to draw a line between what's extreme and what's plain frivolous. In China, a trend is garnering traction wherein people are wrapping their mouth with plastic and then chewing their food. The idea is that they chew the food only to trick their brain into believing that they have had their food. However, they eventually spit the food out.

More and more number of people are trying this trend in the hopes to lose weight. Some people allegedly say that the trend is helping them curb their cravings and feel satiated without having consumed anything.

Moneycontrol team spoke to Dr Sunil Rana, Associate Director and Head, Internal Medicine (Unit III), Asian Hospital, to understand his viewpoint on the viral trend.

Also read: 38-year-old physician reverses fatty liver, high bp, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, drops 56 kilos in 18 months

"It is dangerous. When people wrap their mouth around with plastic, there's always a risk of choking involved. If the plastic goes inside the body, it can prove to be very harmful," he said.

A trend among young people in China: For fear of obesity and in order to feel full, they place a plastic bag over their mouth while eating.pic.twitter.com/WZmOHS9LvO

— China pulse 🇨🇳 (@Eng_china5) February 17, 2026

Dr Rana shares that a growing number of people are feeling the pressure to look a certain way, and this explains why even educated people resort to frivolous hacks when it come to losing weight. "The self-imposed pressure to look good can make people adopt unhealthy choices. This is particularly seen among young people who compare themselves to others on social media," he explained.

In India as well, we are witnessing growing concerns about body image, and unfortunately, this sometimes results in extreme and unhealthy practices, Dr Rana added.

"Plastic can't be digested by the human body. If a person consumes plastic, it may lead to blockages in the stomach, or intestines, or even infection. It also releases toxic chemicals in the body, which can impact the person's liver, brain, and hormones," Dr Rana told Moneycontrol.

"Besides, I want to tell people that if they truly want to lose weight, they should do it the healthy way. Just by regulating what you eat and introducing some movement through the day, a person can feel a sea of difference," Dr Rana concluded.

Also read: Doctor says these 3 medicines can save a heart attack patient

FAQs on side effects of plastic in body

Q. How does plastic enter the human body?

Tiny plastic particles called microplastics can enter the body through contaminated food, drinking water, seafood, packaged foods, and even the air we breathe.

Q. What are microplastics?

Microplastics are extremely small plastic fragments (less than 5 mm in size) that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items or are manufactured for use in products.

Q. Can plastic particles stay in the body?

Research suggests that microplastics have been detected in blood, lungs, and even the placenta. However, scientists are still studying how long they remain and their long-term impact.

Q. What health problems are linked to plastic exposure?

Some studies suggest possible links to inflammation, hormonal disruption, oxidative stress, and immune system changes. Long-term effects are still being researched.

Q. How can plastics affect hormones?

Certain chemicals in plastics, such as BPA and phthalates, are known as endocrine disruptors. They may interfere with hormone function.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.