Bizarre ‘plastic eating’ trend for weight loss goes viral in China

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A new online trend in China involves people pretending to eat food covered in plastic wrap, and videos of this are spreading rapidly online.

We’ve seen a lot of unusual diets come and go, but the newest one gaining popularity is particularly odd.

A strange new trend in China involves people putting plastic wrap in their mouths, then adding food and chewing—before spitting the plastic out.

Some people see it as throwing away perfectly good food, while others think it could be a weight loss trick, though there’s no solid proof it works and it might not be healthy.

China’s plastic-eating diet trend explained

This new diet trend aims to make you feel full by tricking your brain. The idea is to mimic the experience of eating – often with plastic wrap – so your brain thinks you’ve consumed food, even though you haven’t.

A concerning trend has emerged among some young people in China where they are using plastic bags over their mouths while eating, reportedly to help them feel full and avoid overeating.

— China pulse 🇨🇳 (@Eng_china5) February 17, 2026

This technique might help lessen food cravings, which could result in weight loss. It works by creating a similar sensation to eating, like when you chew gum and satisfy a desire without actually consuming food.

It’s not yet known if this method is effective over time, but it’s becoming increasingly popular online, as more and more videos of people attempting it appear on social media.

It’s no surprise that some people are skeptical, and many are cautioning others not to attempt this.

Someone pointed out that while the goal might be to reduce cravings or calorie intake, simply discarding food likely doesn’t work and is just wasteful.

There’s a legitimate worry about microplastics because research shows plastic packaging releases tiny particles into the food and drinks we consume. We don’t know what those particles might do to our health over time, so it’s likely not a risk worth taking, they explained.

One user expressed worry, hoping young people will choose healthier ways to take care of themselves, as they fear this particular approach could be dangerous.

Many experts recommend focusing on a balanced approach with consistent exercise rather than trying out fad diets that could be harmful.

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2026-02-18 06:49