A list of 10 of the most extreme and dangerous weight-loss methods.

 A list of 10 of the most extreme and dangerous weight-loss methods.

The desire to lose weight quickly has been a persistent trend throughout history, with people resorting to various methods such as trendy diets and risky supplements.

Many individuals include weight loss as a top priority, whether it is for a special occasion, a New Year's resolution, or a vacation. Maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall well-being, however, the weight loss industry often capitalizes on people's desire for quick results without the necessary effort.

Recent news has highlighted the fact that not all weight loss products are effective as advertised. For instance, a weight loss product sold in South Africa was found to be potentially hazardous and linked to causing overactive thyroids according to reports.

The weight loss industry has experienced significant growth over the years, leading to the emergence of numerous fad diets and extreme weight loss methods.

Disclaimer:It is not advisable to utilize any of these methods for weight loss as there are no shortcuts. Achieving healthy weight loss requires a well-balanced diet and a regular exercise routine.

1. Tapeworm tablets 

If you are not a fan of exercise and healthy eating, there have been extreme weight loss methods such as ingesting parasites. In the early 1900s, there were pills available in the market containing tapeworm eggs that were promoted as a weight loss aid. It was claimed that these eggs would hatch inside the body and absorb nutrients, leading to weight loss. Although it was uncertain if these pills genuinely contained tapeworm eggs, the concept itself is quite radical.

Why it’s dangerous:As per Health24, tapeworm infection is a hazardous condition that can result in severe health issues. Once infected, the tapeworm larvae can move through the bloodstream and reach various parts of the body, including the brain, spinal cord, and eyes. This can cause a range of complications such as seizures, paralysis, blindness, headaches, and in certain cases, even death.

2. The cotton ball diet

One diet trend involves consuming cotton balls soaked in juice or smoothies to suppress appetite. The theory behind this is that the cotton balls will fill up the stomach, resulting in less hunger. Although it is claimed that the cotton balls still possess some density and kilojoules, they supposedly do not contribute to weight gain.

Why it’s dangerous:Apart from the risk of blockage or obstruction in the digestive system, cotton balls may also contain chemicals like bleach, which can be harmful to health. Therefore, consuming non-edible items for weight loss is never a safe or recommended approach.

3. The vinegar diet

In addition to his literary and political pursuits, Lord Byron was also known for promoting the vinegar diet during the 1820s. This diet involved drinking large amounts of vinegar along with a cup of tea and a raw egg, which would induce vomiting and suppress the appetite, leading to weight loss. The influence of this diet can still be observed today, with claims that apple cider vinegar can aid in weight loss.

Why it’s dangerous:Excessive consumption of vinegar can lead to a range of adverse effects, including the risk of potassium imbalance, stomach lining irritation, and erosion of tooth enamel.

4. The slimming soap

In the past, various fad-products like weight-loss teas and firming creams have been marketed to people. Among these, a specially designed soap was also introduced in the 1930s, which claimed to have "magical fat-dissolving properties". The idea behind the soap was that if it could remove dirt from the skin, it could penetrate deeper and eliminate excess fat from the body, specifically targeting the flabby areas. However, the effectiveness of the soap for this purpose was questionable.

Why it’s dangerous:While using a topical product for weight loss may not necessarily be harmful, it may prove to be a futile effort, resulting in nothing but a waste of time and money.

5. The cigarette diet

In the 1920s, some doctors recommended smoking to people as a means of curbing their appetite. The argument was that overeating can prove fatal, while smoking only leads to lung cancer. One of the most well-known brands, Lucky Strike, even launched a campaign with the slogan "Reach for a Lucky Strike instead of a sweet", highlighting the appetite-suppressing properties of nicotine.

Why it’s dangerous:This type of diet is highly restrictive and lacks essential nutrients such as healthy fats and carbohydrates. Constantly switching between such fad diets can cause you to gain weight faster than you lost it in the first place, which can significantly disrupt your metabolism.

7. The 'Sleeping Beauty' diet

This weight-loss approach is based on the idea that one cannot eat while sleeping. Supporters of this method argue that sleeping reduces the amount of time available for eating and enhances metabolism. However, some have taken an extreme approach by using sedatives to sleep for prolonged periods during the day.

Why it’s dangerous:In addition to the lack of essential nutrients, taking sleeping pills or sedatives can harm your body.

8. The baby food diet

The baby food diet, reportedly initiated by celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson, requires consuming 14 jars of baby food daily, followed by a single regular meal. This regimen was not formally documented or advertised, but certain Hollywood celebrities purportedly followed it.

Why it’s dangerous:This popular diet lacks essential fiber that plays a crucial role in maintaining the proper functioning of an adult's digestive system. Jamie Vespa, a registered dietitian and assistant nutrition editor for Cooking Light, recommends that adults consume nutrient-dense whole foods to improve gut health and strengthen the immune system."

9. The grapefruit juice diet

In the 1930s, a popular fad diet involved strict calorie restriction to only 1,000 calories (4,184 kilojoules) per day, with each meal required to be accompanied by half a grapefruit or 230ml of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice.

Why it’s dangerous:The consumption of grapefruit juice in moderation is generally safe, however, the severe caloric restriction involved in this fad diet can be harmful. Additionally, grapefruit can interact negatively with certain medications like blood thinners, and caution should be exercised.

10. Arsenic diet pills

In the 19th century, the weight loss industry was lucrative and diet pills and potions were popular. However, there were no regulations in place to monitor these products, which meant that they could contain harmful substances such as arsenic. Arsenic was used in diet pills to increase metabolism, similarly to amphetamines, but it was highly toxic and could pose a severe risk to human health.

Why it’s dangerous:-Inorganic arsenic is a potent poison, which can cause serious health problems such as cancer and skin lesions when ingested through food or water, according to the World Health Organization. In addition to vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea, arsenic poisoning symptoms can include severe muscle cramping and, in extreme cases, death. Given these risks, it's clear that arsenic is not a substance that should be included in medication or any other product intended for human consumption.

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