As the U.S. records 1,645 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis across 34 states since May 1, some social media users are intentionally seeking out the parasitic infection. Driven by a desire for rapid weight loss, these individuals are ignoring health warnings to participate in a dangerous trend dubbed the “diarrhea diet.”
The Rise of the “Cyclospora Skinny” Trend
The trend, circulating on platforms like TikTok and Instagram under hashtags such as #diarrhea-diet and #Cyclospora-skinny, reframes a serious foodborne illness as a shortcut to weight loss. According to The Times of India, some content creators are intentionally consuming unwashed raw produce—including leafy greens, berries, basil, and cilantro—known to carry the parasite in hopes of contracting the infection.
Social media users have shared videos of themselves preparing or eating vegetables, often framing the potential illness as a desirable outcome for summer weight loss. One creator, identified as Madi from Texas, stated in a video, Risking it all for the cyclospora because I simply cannot be bothered to change my diet.
Another user, Brittany Jade, posted about being freshly postpartum and get the explosive diarrhea parasite but now you’re down 20 pounds.
Medical Reality: Why the “Diet” Fails
Medical professionals warn that the premise of the “diarrhea diet” is fundamentally flawed and physically dangerous. Slate reported that any weight loss observed is primarily related to fluid loss rather than fat reduction. Mara Gordon, a family physician and author of the newsletter Your Doctor Friend, explained that the scale might show a lower number due to dehydration, but this is temporary and medically concerning.
Registered dietitian Bonnie Roney echoed this warning, noting that a foodborne illness can cause lasting damage to the gut and complicate one’s relationship with food. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis, which can persist for weeks if left untreated, include watery, often explosive diarrhea, loss of appetite, bloating, stomach cramps, and increased gas.
The Cultural Roots of “Illness as Opportunity”
Experts suggest that this trend is not an isolated incident but a reflection of deep-seated issues within diet culture. Rachel Millner, a clinical psychologist and fat activist, noted that the trend carries harmful messages for people of all sizes. The message tells fat people that it is better to get an illness than to look like them. And it tells thin people that they better be afraid of gaining weight,
Millner told Slate.
The glorification of illness for weight loss has historical precedents in pop culture, ranging from the 1997 film Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion—where a character jokes about how lucky
she was to get mono—to Kim Kardashian’s 2017 tweet stating, The flu can be an amazing diet.
These cultural touchstones suggest a long-standing pattern of reframing bodily harm as a path to a thin ideal.
Public Health Response and Ongoing Risks
While some creators claim their videos are satirical, experts point out that the nuance is often lost on audiences, especially those already vulnerable to disordered eating. The Times of India reported that public health officials, including the CDC and FDA, are actively investigating the current outbreak, which has been linked to various produce items and potentially a fast-food chain. Despite these warnings, the viral nature of the content continues to prioritize engagement over safety.
As the outbreak continues, the disconnect between the severity of a parasitic infection and the social media portrayal of it as a “diet” remains a significant public health concern. Individuals experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis are encouraged to seek medical care rather than relying on social media trends. Consult your healthcare provider if you suspect you have been exposed to the parasite.
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