Nurse Warns Against Viral TikTok Weight Loss Trend
A nurse has sounded the alarm about a viral social media trend in which dieters drink and bathe in oil in an attempt to lose weight. The trend, which involves consuming and applying castor oil, has attracted almost 100 million views on TikTok.
The Trend and Its Risks
Search for the term castor oil on TikTok and you’ll find an onslaught of clips that feature young women drizzling the oil on their bodies and glugging it while touting supposed benefits, including "burning fat" and "preventing cancer." However, Jane Clarke, an incontinence nurse at ConfidenceClub from the UK, warned that following the trend is likely to leave you with debilitating stomach problems.
The Consequences of Drinking Castor Oil
Consuming castor oil can cause violent diarrhea – even in small doses, said Ms. Clarke. In large doses, it can cause abdominal cramps, potential electrolyte imbalances, potential dehydration, and nausea and vomiting.
Experts Weigh In
Ms. Clarke also warned that the oil is unlikely to have any benefit other than soft skin. "It’s perfectly safe to use externally, but it won’t work for weight loss or preventing cancer," she said. Researchers have found that the main fatty acid in castor oil, called ricinoleic acid, binds to receptors on muscle cells in our colon, causing the muscles to contract and push out stool. This laxative effect is why some believe castor oil might help with weight loss. However, experts explain that using the bathroom often isn’t real and lasting weight loss.
The Truth About Weight Loss
The food we eat goes through many processes before it reaches your bowel and becomes stool. The body absorbs the calories, fat, and the majority of nutrients before they reach the large intestine. What is left is mainly water and some minerals, which your body does not need. Some of it is absorbed by the body in the large intestine. If someone takes castor oil or laxatives and loses weight, they are only losing water. As soon as they drink something, they will regain the weight back.
Conclusion
Drinking castor oil as a weight loss trend is not only ineffective but also dangerous. The risks of consuming castor oil outweigh any potential benefits, and it is unlikely to have any impact on weight loss or disease prevention. Experts warn that it is better to focus on a healthy diet and exercise routine for sustainable weight loss.
FAQs
Q: Is castor oil safe to use externally?
A: Yes, castor oil is "perfectly safe to use externally" according to Ms. Clarke.
Q: Can castor oil help with weight loss?
A: No, experts warn that drinking castor oil or taking laxatives is not a real and lasting way to lose weight. It only leads to losing water weight.
Q: Can castor oil cure cancer?
A: No, experts say that castor oil has no proven benefits for preventing or curing cancer.
