Chinese weight-loss trend of mixing tea with enemas sends many to hospital

Extreme slimming method is claimed to help people shed weight in just two days, but doctor says it can seriously harm the digestive system

An unconventional weight-loss remedy of drinking a mixture of an external-use constipation medication with tea has trended on Chinese social media, sparking doctors to warn the public not to try it after receiving some emergency cases.

The extreme slimming method has captivated social media in recent weeks because of claims that it has the remarkable effect of helping people shed 4kg of weight within just two days, Shangyou News reported.

In some viral videos, influencers squeeze a glycerin enema into a sugar-free tea product, shake the bottle and drink the mixture. They achieved an impressive weight-loss result by going to the toilet frequently, the report said.

Many internet users followed suit, but some people’s health received negative effects.

A woman, surnamed Ma, told the media that she had tried the mixture, finding that it tasted slightly sweet, but she felt severe discomfort half an hour later.

She tried to relieve her pain by drinking warm water. Hours later, she started suffering from repeated diarrhoea and vomiting.