A concerning trend on TikTok is promoting the intentional infection with the Cyclospora parasite as a weight loss method, with influencers sharing videos of themselves consuming fresh produce in hopes of contracting the illness. This phenomenon, circulating under hashtags like "the diarrhea diet" and "Cyclospora skinny," has emerged within the "SkinnyTok" subculture, which often glorifies extreme thinness and restrictive eating practices.
The Cyclospora parasite causes an intestinal infection characterized by watery, explosive diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, and increased gas. Symptoms can persist for weeks if left untreated. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 1,645 confirmed cases across 34 states since May 1. New York City has recorded 273 cases, and Long Island has 66. Michigan has been particularly affected, with over 2,640 cases logged by health officials.
Federal and state health investigators are looking into the outbreak's origins, with suspicions that contaminated fresh produce, such as raspberries, basil, cilantro, green onions, snow peas, lettuce, mesclun, salad mixes, blackberries, watercress, mangoes, and vegetable trays, may be contributing factors. A probe has also been launched into Taco Bell, as the fast-food chain's offerings are suspected of being linked to the spread of the illness.
Despite warnings from public health officials advising thorough washing of produce and sanitization of kitchen equipment, some TikTok users are disregarding safety precautions. Content creators have shared clips of themselves preparing and consuming vegetables, with captions detailing experiences of rapid weight loss. Some users have expressed excitement over losing significant weight, even when detailing severe illness.
Registered dietitians caution that weight loss achieved through diarrhea is primarily water weight and is unlikely to be sustained. "Once diarrhea resolves, which you want it to, that weight is likely to come back," explained Bonnie Roney, a registered dietitian. She also warned of potential long-term impacts on gut health and an individual's relationship with food, suggesting that the short-term, temporary weight loss is "probably not worth it."