In the era of Instagram models and “flat tummy teas,” everyone wants to have the perfect body and will do anything to achieve that. The only thing about these aspirations to have the perfect body is that most aren’t willing to put in the necessary work to achieve those body goals. In fact, there are lots of people out there that are so willing to take the easy way out that they’re also willing to put their lives on the line for it as well by turning to fad diets.
People want and expect their perfect bodies to appear overnight, and it simply just doesn’t work like that. They see their favorite celebrities rocking these swimsuits and scantily-clad outfits and desire the same thing. And while it’s fine to aspire to reach those body goals, you also have to be realistic about what you’re seeing.
Celebrities have personal chefs, nutritionists, and personal trainiers to help them reach their goals. So unless you can afford those luxuries, you’re going to have to do things the good old-fashioned way. Things like exercising three to four days a week, going on a full-body green juice cleanse, and eating a well-balanced diet full of veggies are what‘s going to be your ticket to the body you’ve always wanted.
Unfortunately, people still want what they want and opt for these fad diets to lose weight fast, despite the serious health risks.
On your journey to weight loss, here are some of the most ridiculous fad diets you want to steer clear of.
Most Dangerous Fad Diets That Can Seriously Impact Your Health For the Worst
The Air Diet
The air diet is exactly what it sounds like… You’re “consuming” air with the exception of water and a sodium soup. So essentially what you’re doing is starving yourself. Air, water, and some kind of broth is no diet that anyone can survive on, and that’s why it’s so dangerous. Even if you were to lose weight on this diet fad, it’s not sustainable, and the moment you get a taste of real food, you’re going to gain every pound you lost back.
The Tapeworm Diet
This diet is as gross as it sounds but even more dangerous. With the tapeworm diet, you’re swallowing a capsule that’s filled with tapeworm eggs. The goal is that once your body digests the capsule, the tapeworm eggs will hatch in your body and absorb the food you eat before your body has a chance to.
With this diet, you will indeed lose weight but you’ll also experience symptoms of malnutrition, nausea, and loss of appetite. And according to the Mayo Clinic, if these tapeworms get out of your intestines, it can cause severe damage to your organs and you’ll eventually develop a fever.
And the worst part about this diet is that if you don’t get treated with an anti-parasitic medicine, they can live in your body for up to 30 years just feeding off your body!
The Cotton Ball Diet
The cotton ball diet involves soaking five cotton balls in a juice of your choice and swallowing them to make you feel full without having eaten any real food to consume calories. Did you know that this diet can actually kill you by creating blockages in your body? If you want to feel full faster, drink a glass of water before every meal and you won’t eat as much food… It’s as simple as that.
All of the listed diets are fads and can cause harm to your body and can potentially be fatal. Do NOT attempt these diets. If you’re serious about wanting to lose weight, simply eat a well-balanced diet with exercise, or consult with a certified nutritionist or personal trainer for dietary help.