Top 5 Crazy Ways To Lose Weight

Over the last few weeks, I’ve encountered some pretty crazy ways to lose weight.  Coming on the heels of the two recently proven, if somewhat questionable, ideas, I thought it might be interesting to take a look at some of the most extreme weight loss plans I could find.

Top 5 Crazy Ways To Lose Weight

V.     Use The “Blue Diet” To Supercharge Your Weight Loss

The color blue is noted by psychologists for its calming influence.  In addition to being the most popular color for men, it can also promote feelings of sadness, improve productivity, and lower pulse rates.  Curiously enough, the color blue is relatively uncommon in naturally occurring foods.  Researchers believe this may be why it is considered one of the least appetizing colors.  All of this combined led someone to propose the idea for these weight loss sunglasses.  I guess looking through the world through azure-colored glasses could help you lose weight…  Supposedly, the colors yellow and red are the most appetizing.  Maybe that’s why meat purchased at the store is dyed red?

IV.   The Gum Chewing Weight Loss Plan

Wrigley’s is on the ball with this one.  Apparently, researchers have learned that chewing gum not only burns calories, but it also reduces the desire to eat afterward.  In a small study, researchers showed that chewing gum 24/7 would burn about 11 pounds a year.  Of course, we needn’t forget that most gum contains sorbitol, which can also have a laxative effect.  This experience shows that regularly consuming 15-20 sticks of gum each day can end badly.  Never mind the increased risk of ulcers and stomach cramps from never giving your digestive tract a break.

III.  The Toes Ring Weight Loss Plan

The idea of using magnets for everything from relieving arthritis pain to weight loss has been around for a long time.  So, the Body Slimming Toe Ring was probably doomed to eventually be introduced.  But, why in the world is it a toe ring?  Who knew?

II.    The Cotton Ball Diet

Rumors about famous models engaging in this practice persist in the media.  The practice supposedly involves eating cotton balls, either dry, or dipped in juice.  Obviously they’re filling, right?  After all, its a cotton ball.  Defenders say that, at the very least, they’re high in fiber.  Of course, that’s not the kind of fiber we need.  To survive, that is…

Not only is this a crazy way to lose weight, it’s downright dangerous.

I.      And, the number one crazy way to lose weight…  Swallowing Parasitic Worms

Hard-core dieters in Hong Kong have apparently discovered that parasitic worms are great at inducing weight loss, without the need to eat less.  Turns out the Ascaris worm, a giant intestinal roundworm that can grow to a length of up to 15-inches, just makes the pounds melt away.  Of course, the worm can also induce some of the obvious complications, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and malnutrition.  As an added  bonus, it may also invade other organs, biliary obstruction, and pancreatic damage.  Fortunately, the worms can be killed with medication, but because of their extreme size, may require surgery for removal.

Needless to say, authorities are counseling would-be dieters against this strategy, for all the obvious reasons.

So, there you have it, the top 5 crazy ways to lose weight.  I’m sure there are some I’ve missed, but you get the point.  There are lots of gimmicks in the weight loss industry.  Some may even work – for the moment.  But most of them are fraught with problems, if not downright dangerous.  There is, of course, a better way to lose weight.  It’s not necessarily easy, but it’s much safer, and far more likely to last over the long term.

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