Horror diet trend exposed: What happens to your brain when you eat dark web tapeworm eggs for weight loss?
- Replies 30
In the quest for quick weight loss solutions, some individuals are turning to extreme and dangerous methods. One such alarming trend involves purchasing tapeworm eggs from the dark web to intentionally infect oneself with parasites. This practice, which doctors have encountered in real patient cases, is not only disturbing but also poses severe health risks, including brain damage.
Tapeworms are parasitic worms that can live in the human gut, typically entering the body through the consumption of undercooked, contaminated meat. Once inside, they can cause weight loss by absorbing nutrients from the host's food intake and inducing diarrhea. This peculiar side effect has led to the misguided notion that tapeworm infection could be a viable weight loss method.
The harrowing story of a 21-year-old woman, referred to as 'TE', highlights the dangers of this practice. TE, struggling to achieve her weight loss goals through traditional diet and exercise, was enticed by social media posts advertising tapeworm eggs as a 'controversial' and 'forbidden' weight loss solution. Seduced by the promise of a secret and powerful method, she purchased a box of pills containing tapeworm eggs online using cryptocurrency.
Initially, TE experienced the weight loss she desired despite occasional stomach cramps. However, the situation took a turn for the worse when she began to notice unusual physical symptoms, including a lump under her chin and severe headaches. These symptoms were the result of cysticercosis, a condition where tapeworm eggs enter the bloodstream and form cysts in tissues, including the brain.
Dr. Bernard Hsu, a US-based oncologist and host of the YouTube channel Chubbyemu, detailed TE's case, revealing that the tapeworm eggs had caused multiple lesions in her brain and other parts of her body. The condition led to increased pressure in her cerebrospinal fluid and alarming memory lapses. TE's situation deteriorated to the point where she required hospitalisation and aggressive medical treatment.
The tapeworm species responsible for TE's condition, Taenia solium, is particularly dangerous because it can release eggs that travel to sensitive organs like the brain. In the brain, the cysts can cause seizures, vision changes, personality shifts, and cognitive decline. TE's case is a stark reminder of the potential long-term consequences of such an infection, which can manifest years after the initial exposure.
Medical professionals treated TE with drugs to paralyse and starve the worms, along with steroids to reduce brain inflammation. After a three-week hospital stay, scans showed no signs of eggs in her brain, and at a six-month follow-up, TE was reportedly losing weight healthily without further symptoms.
The concept of using tapeworms for weight loss is not new; it dates back to the Victorian era when 'sanitised' tapeworm eggs were advertised as a weight loss aid. However, historical accuracy and the actual content of such products are debated. Today, approximately 2.5 million people are infected with Taenia solium annually, mostly through accidental consumption of contaminated food in regions with poor sanitation.
For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, this story serves as a cautionary tale against the allure of quick fixes and the importance of scepticism towards dubious weight loss methods. It's crucial to prioritise health and well-being over risky shortcuts. If you or someone you know is considering unconventional dieting practices, please seek advice from a healthcare professional. Remember, there is no substitute for a balanced diet and regular exercise when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight.
We encourage our community to share their thoughts and experiences with diet trends, and to support one another in making informed and safe choices for their health. Have you ever come across unusual weight loss methods? How do you approach maintaining a healthy lifestyle? Let's discuss this in the comments below.
Tapeworms are parasitic worms that can live in the human gut, typically entering the body through the consumption of undercooked, contaminated meat. Once inside, they can cause weight loss by absorbing nutrients from the host's food intake and inducing diarrhea. This peculiar side effect has led to the misguided notion that tapeworm infection could be a viable weight loss method.
Tapeworm eggs purchased from the dark web are reportedly ingested by women for weight loss. Credit: Shutterstock
The harrowing story of a 21-year-old woman, referred to as 'TE', highlights the dangers of this practice. TE, struggling to achieve her weight loss goals through traditional diet and exercise, was enticed by social media posts advertising tapeworm eggs as a 'controversial' and 'forbidden' weight loss solution. Seduced by the promise of a secret and powerful method, she purchased a box of pills containing tapeworm eggs online using cryptocurrency.
Initially, TE experienced the weight loss she desired despite occasional stomach cramps. However, the situation took a turn for the worse when she began to notice unusual physical symptoms, including a lump under her chin and severe headaches. These symptoms were the result of cysticercosis, a condition where tapeworm eggs enter the bloodstream and form cysts in tissues, including the brain.
Dr. Bernard Hsu, a US-based oncologist and host of the YouTube channel Chubbyemu, detailed TE's case, revealing that the tapeworm eggs had caused multiple lesions in her brain and other parts of her body. The condition led to increased pressure in her cerebrospinal fluid and alarming memory lapses. TE's situation deteriorated to the point where she required hospitalisation and aggressive medical treatment.
The tapeworm species responsible for TE's condition, Taenia solium, is particularly dangerous because it can release eggs that travel to sensitive organs like the brain. In the brain, the cysts can cause seizures, vision changes, personality shifts, and cognitive decline. TE's case is a stark reminder of the potential long-term consequences of such an infection, which can manifest years after the initial exposure.
Medical professionals treated TE with drugs to paralyse and starve the worms, along with steroids to reduce brain inflammation. After a three-week hospital stay, scans showed no signs of eggs in her brain, and at a six-month follow-up, TE was reportedly losing weight healthily without further symptoms.
The concept of using tapeworms for weight loss is not new; it dates back to the Victorian era when 'sanitised' tapeworm eggs were advertised as a weight loss aid. However, historical accuracy and the actual content of such products are debated. Today, approximately 2.5 million people are infected with Taenia solium annually, mostly through accidental consumption of contaminated food in regions with poor sanitation.
For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, this story serves as a cautionary tale against the allure of quick fixes and the importance of scepticism towards dubious weight loss methods. It's crucial to prioritise health and well-being over risky shortcuts. If you or someone you know is considering unconventional dieting practices, please seek advice from a healthcare professional. Remember, there is no substitute for a balanced diet and regular exercise when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight.
.png){kind=icon}
!!!
60% of the time.
