A new DIY dieting trend has gone viral on TikTok, with influencers drinking a surprising substance in the hope of shedding a few pounds. But does it work? A nutritionist tells all
A nutritionist has urged TikTokers to stop experimenting with a new viral dieting trend that triggers violent diarrhoea.
From A-lister skinny jabs, to controversial ‘oatzempic‘ drinks – it’s no doubt that weight loss culture has taken the world by storm this year. And now, a flood of influencers have been testing a new way to shed extra pounds that’s completely baffled experts.
The bizarre trend involves drinking a type of vegetable oil to ‘clean out’ the body for a more toned physique. This primarily includes castor oil, a substance produced from castor beans, which is widely used for massages and skincare.
Health creator, Maryam Hampton, is among those to have tried it, taking to TikTok to share her experience. “Clear out your weekend and get ready for the biggest cleanse of your life,” she told her 102k followers (@maryamjhampton).
“You’re going to be running to the bathroom all day long, but you’re going to feel five pounds lighter… I take castor oil orally every few months – one teaspoon orally and that will clean y’all out… you will be cleansed out…”
Maryam also recommended a ‘castor wrap’ which involves putting two teaspoons of the oil on a stomach press and sleeping with it tied to your stomach. She claimed this would penetrate ‘deep inside of you’, getting rid of cysts and fibroids, which can affect your digestion.
She added: “Castor oil is just overall amazing for your health and your skin. So, I really really love castor oil and I think everybody should at least try it. I know it can be nasty but, if you want a clean out, you’re going to get it with castor oil.”
Maryam’s post has since been met with a flurry of confused comments, as many TikTokers were unsure whether castor oil was genuinely safe to drink. “I thought you were not supposed to drink it,” one person wrote as another added: “What exactly is it cleansing?”
So, does it work? Nutritionist GQ Jordan claims sipping castor oil for weight loss is ‘more of a fad than a fact’, though it’s not a completely straightforward picture. She told The Mirror: “Drinking castor oil for weight loss is more of a fad than a fact.
“While it may cause temporary water weight loss due to its laxative effects, it does not contribute to sustainable fat loss. Real, sustainable weight loss comes from balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and healthy habits. So, no magic potion here, just another fleeting trend.”
Castor oil is predominantly comprised of ricinoleic acid which has a powerful effect on the gut – even in small doses. This especially helps those suffering with constipation, as the acids stimulate muscle contractions that help to move faeces through the digestive tract.
Though GQ claims this bowel emptying effect is not related to fat loss or metabolism support -the two components required for weight loss. She explained: “The weight loss experienced is typically due to water loss and not a reduction in body fat… Drinking castor oil can lead to some unpleasant side effects – cramps, diarrhoea, nausea and dehydration – not exactly the dream.
“Overuse can mess with your electrolyte balance, too. Castor oil does have some legitimate uses – I’ve already mentioned in relieving constipation, it’s also used in skincare and haircare for its moisture and anti-inflammatory benefits. Drinking it for weight loss is not recommended and may be potentially harmful.”
On the flip side however, GQ claims there is some merit in using castor wraps on the stomach. These are often used in traditional medicine practices to benefit circulation and liver detoxification, while reducing inflammation.
Though, more research is needed to verify and confirm whether this is the case, as evidence is currently quite limited. “Castor oil packs or wraps are often used in complementary/traditional medicines for liver support like the person in this video uses,” she said.
“This involves soaking a cloth in castor oil, placing it over the liver area on the abdomen, covering in plastic, and applying heat with a hot water bottle. Scientific evidence for this is quite limited and it’s important to note that the benefits are largely anecdotal, and more research is needed to confirm its efficacy.
“Instead of jumping on the next viral trend, focus on a sustainable and balanced approach to health and weight loss. Quick fixes like castor oil come and go, but building healthy habits lasts a lifetime. Remember, there’s no substitute for a balanced diet and regular movement.”
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