A new weight loss trend in China has taken over social media. But it is not a usual weight loss trend. The trend showcased young people placing a piece of plastic between food and their mouths while eating. It is a real concern. The motive of this trend is to feel the food while not really eating it. Over the years, we have seen many weight loss trends across the world, but this weight loss trend in China seems a bit concerning.

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As people are placing plastic in their mouths while eating the food, basically, they are grabbing the plastic and clearly removing the food from their mouths without consuming anything. The primary motive of this trend is to pretend you are eating the food, experiencing it, but not really swallowing the food at all. Those who were trying this trend out are at risk of choking on microplastics, and they may even develop an eating disorder. Over the Internet, people have called it a mental illness. And many have moved to extreme lengths in order to lose some weight.
Plastic Wrap Trend in China
The viral trend, which is circulating on the Chinese social media platform Involves individual placing a thin piece of plastic wrap between the mouth and food while pretending to eat the food. Participants basically chew the food through the plastic barrier and then discard it, believing that the act of chewing and tasting flavour will trick the brain into feeling full without actually eating, and reduce calorie intake.
The Chinese social media platform was fully taken over by these short videos where numerous people prepare full meals, perform the chewing ritual, and then throw the food away. The trend itself has sparked a widespread debate, while critics argue and call it unsafe and psychologically harmful for the people who are following this trend. Many young people in China are suffering from obesity, thereby their weight is increasing rapidly, and to control their weight, while not compromising on taste. People innovated plastic and food hack.
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Why do people support this trend?

Supporters of the trend argue that the sensation of chewing combined with the presence of food flavour may help control the hunger signals. As the idea mirrors familiar habits like chewing gum to curb appetite only taken to a far more extreme level. Participants have also claimed that this method helped them feel satisfied without overeating, particularly during the strict dieting phase. Review often shows how users pay full bills only to discard the food moments later, after the chewing ritual is completed. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Nutrition experts point out that appetite regulation is complex and involves hormone digestion and actual nutrient intake.
scientific evidence supporting this trend

No, no credible or scientific resource supports this trend and the idea that pretending to eat food through plastic wrap can effectively reduce hunger or promote safe weight loss. However, it increases the concern of the people, in that long-term exposure to plastic is harmful to the body. Even nutrition expert in face the fact that sustainable weight management requires a balanced diet, proper nutrition, and metabolic regulation, not this kind of diet. Students in appetite science show that chewing alone does not replace the metabolic response triggered by real food consumption. In fact, some sensory exposure to food without eating increases the craving level rather than reducing it.
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For the first time, or similar cases?
Is this the first time people have gone to extreme levels in order just to lose weight? No, a teenage girl has nearly died from an extreme diet trend to fit into a birthday dress. Yes, a birthday dress, we are talking about 16-year-old Mei, a Chinese girl who nearly died after a horrifying crash diet. She started taking a small portion of vegetables and a laxative for two weeks to fit into a new birthday dress.

However, things quickly took a deadly turn when she collapsed with shortness of breath and weakness, and the doctor found out she had dangerously low potassium level which is a life-threatening condition called hypokalaemia. She got hospitalised and rushed directly into a 12-hour emergency medical procedure to save her life. The Doctor had warned her that extreme dieting can lead to cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. This case reveals that people have gone to a different level in order to lose weight, and this trend has revealed this again.
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The trend revealed how many people are anxious about their weight and the desire to find quick ways to reduce calorie intake and to lose weight. Even medical professionals agree that this can be dangerous. Risk can affect the body due to plastic exposure, which can be potentially harmful to the body. This is another trend that shows that Chinese people are under fat prison. Not just these trend even some commercial weight loss promotions have also gained traction or attraction, like a gym offering luxury prices to people who made dramatic weight loss goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weight trend in China?
The obesity levels are on a continuous rise in China. People are facing overweight problems, especially in the age group of 6 to 17 years. Children are mostly obese, thereby making China one of the gravely affected countries in the world.
Does the Chinese workout really work to lose weight?
The Taichi exercise helps enhance body mass and reduce waist circumference. Therefore, it remains one of the important exercises for maintaining overall body health.
What is the 30/30/30 rule for weight loss?
Based on a TikTok trend, the 30/30/30 rule requires people to have 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking up, followed by 30 minutes of low-intensity cardiovascular exercise to get a slim belly and lose weight.



