Diarrhea for a Bikini Body: TikTokers Are Intentionally Catching a Dangerous Parasite to Drop Summer Weight

A lethal and absurd new trend is sweeping the U.S. as people deliberately eat contaminated food to shed a few quick pounds, The Post reports.

When diets and the gym don't offer instant gratification, and Hollywood stars have snapped up all the Ozempic, Gen Z is turning to extreme measures. An outrageous hack is making the rounds in the American TikTok scene: TikTokers are gorging on unwashed greens and berries in hopes of catching cyclosporiasis—an intestinal parasite that triggers grueling diarrhea.

Hashtags like #diarrheadiet and #Cyclosporaskinny are rapidly gaining traction in the toxic SkinnyTok community, where extreme thinness is idealized. "Me finding out this parasite makes you lose 15-20 pounds... summer isn't over yet!" jokes Boston-based influencer Francesca, munching on a salad in a video with 2.2 million views.

And while many tag these videos as "satire," others are already sharing their "real results":

• "Risky biz for Cyclospora because I’m literally too lazy to fix my diet," writes Madi from Texas.

• "Sick all month, but down 10 pounds!" boasts another user in a dancing video.

Dangerous Outbreak: CDC Raises the Alarm

Meanwhile, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns the situation is no laughing matter. A massive outbreak of cyclosporiasis has been recorded nationwide, with thousands of confirmed cases across dozens of states. Symptoms of the infection include explosive diarrhea, severe abdominal cramps, nausea, and dehydration, which can linger for weeks if left untreated.

The source of the outbreak has been traced back to fresh berries (raspberries, blackberries), herbs (basil, cilantro, salad mixes), and pre-cut vegetables. Authorities have even launched investigations into fast-food chains on suspicion that contaminated produce made its way into commercial kitchens.

Doctors Warn: It’s Just Water Weight

Dietitians are urging extreme weight-loss seekers to use basic common sense. "Weight lost from diarrhea isn't fat loss—it’s pure dehydration. As soon as the infection clears, every single pound will come right back," warns registered dietitian Bonnie Roney. "However, damage to your gut microbiome and long-term digestive issues could stick with you for years."

Yet, warnings from medical experts don't seem to bother extreme-thinness obsessives—they're ready to make any sacrifice for that picture-perfect bikini shot.