Cotton ball diet

The cotton ball diet is a fad diet that involves consuming cotton balls dipped in liquids such as juices or smoothies.^[1][2] The cotton is intended to make a person's stomach feel full without them gaining weight.^[2] The diet has been repeatedly condemned as dangerous.^[2]

Cotton balls

Health risks

Cotton can cause blockages in the digestive system.^[3] Blockage in the intestines could result in dehydration, bowel obstruction which may cause the death of the gastrointestinal tract and damage to internal organs.^[4] The diet will also result in a nutrition disorder.^[4]

The diet can also cause choking because the cotton balls cannot be broken down and must be eaten whole.^[4] Most "cotton" balls are actually made from bleached polyester rather than cotton,^[2] and toxins in the synthetic ingredients of cotton balls can build up over time and cause organ damage.^[4]

The diet is considered to be an indicator of an eating disorder; eating disorders also come with mood disorders such as depression.^[4]