What is the viral 'tadpole water' craze, Gen Z's latest weight loss obsession?

Gen Z is now into 'Tadpole water' to lose weight. (Representational)

The latest craze captivating Gen Z is as bizarre as it is controversial. A peculiar drink known as "tadpole water" is the newest fad to sweep TikTok, with proponents claiming it can swiftly shrink waistlines. The drink, a mix of warm water, chia seeds, and lemon juice, has garnered attention not only for its weight-loss promises but also for its unsettling appearance—resembling tadpoles swimming in a pond.

At the forefront of this trend is 18-year-old Mariah Padilla, who recently shared her experience with the drink in a viral TikTok video. "I can confirm that it does work for weight loss," Padilla proclaimed, adding that she lost three pounds in just three days.

Despite its effectiveness, she admitted that the concoction is far from palatable. "The texture is funky and it tastes funky, too," she confessed. "It makes me gag…but it’s worth it."

The craze surrounding "tadpole water" is part of a larger movement among young people striving for quick and drastic weight loss. As the desire to achieve an "Insta-thin" figure intensifies, many are turning to extreme and unconventional methods.

From the "Rice-Zempic" and "Oat-Zempic" trends, which involved mixing rice or oats with water and lime juice to curb appetite, to the current chia seed phenomenon, the pursuit of a slimmer physique has led to the rise of these DIY diet hacks.

Experts have weighed in on the potential benefits of chia seeds, the key ingredient in "tadpole water." A report from Harvard Health highlights the nutritional value of chia seeds, which are rich in fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

These tiny seeds, when consumed, form a gel-like substance in the stomach that increases the feeling of fullness, thereby reducing appetite and calorie intake. They are also known to support digestive health and help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Despite its unappealing taste, the drink has found a devoted following among those desperate to shed a few kilos quickly with many content creators vouching for this new hack.