Foodborne illnesses are typically something most people try their best to avoid. But as the cyclosporiasis outbreak spreads across the United States, many users online are doing the exact opposite.
Since the outbreak began in early May, TikTok users have joked about intentionally eating unwashed produce or seeking out potentially contaminated food in hopes of contracting the parasite. Why? The rapid weight loss that can accompany the illness, which is being romanticized as a quick fix and diet hack.
But before we dive into the toxicity of this trend, let’s cover what exactly the cyclosporiasis outbreak even is.
Cyclosporiasis is a type of food poisoning that occurs when someone consumes food or water contaminated with a microscopic parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis. While the current outbreak is capturing nationwide attention, it actually occurs seasonally, particularly during the summer months. The difference is that this year’s outbreak is much larger than previous ones, with over 7,000 confirmed and probable cases across 34 states since May 1.
In addition to the primary symptom of diarrhea, cyclosporiasis involves other run-of-the-mill food poisoning symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Without treatment, it can last over a month, which puts patients at risk of severe dehydration and other more serious complications.
While weight loss can occur as a side effect, much of the sudden change on the scale is related to dehydration and reduced food intake, rather than sustainable fat loss. Persistent diarrhea can cause the body to lose fluids and electrolytes, while eating less due to a reduced appetite and nausea can further contribute to rapid changes in weight. Because the lower number on the scale is mainly attributed to water weight, it tends to return to normal as hydration levels improve upon recovery.
TikTok creator Bonny Roney, known online as @dietculturerebel, is a registered dietitian who responded to one user’s joking video about eating unwashed produce to purposefully infect herself by debunking these claims.
She emphasized that once someone recovers from the dehydration and diarrhea accompanying cyclosporiasis, all the weight it may seem they have “lost” will likely return.
In other words, getting a parasite isn’t a secret shortcut to weight loss.
So, what should you actually take away from this outbreak?
Rather than seeking out potentially contaminated produce, take steps to reduce your risk of infection. While the exact origin of cyclosporiasis is still unknown, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published some prevention tips. These include washing fresh fruits and vegetables before eating them, even if they are labeled as pre-washed, and cutting away any damaged parts of produce. It’s also important to stay informed about active food recalls and public health guidance to further protect yourself from the outbreak.
And, importantly, don’t let a viral TikTok convince you that illness is a weight-loss strategy. A parasite is not a healthy diet hack — no matter how many views the video claiming otherwise has!