A look at the physical and mental dangers of this diet.
This behavior is extremely dangerous and can result in serious health consequences or death.
Because the filler causes the stomach to feel full, people may consume fewer calories.
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However, it represents a throw in of disordered eating that can be dangerous or even fatal.
What Is Disordered Eating?
Disordered eating involves abnormal and unhealthy eating behaviors that do not meet the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder.
Like eating disorders, disordered eating is often related to body dissatisfaction and a desire to lose weight.
Risks of the Cotton Ball Diet
The cotton ball diet is dangerous for a number of reasons.
When swallowed, they can cause obstructions in the gastrointestinal system, just like a pipe getting clogged.
This bezoar can clog the digestive system, obstructing other food and liquids from passing through the body.
Toxicity
Cotton balls contain more than just the product that comes from a cotton plant.
The fibers undergo processing, which involves the use of bleach and other substances.
Many cotton balls are not produced from cotton at all and are instead made from bleached polyester.
The chemicals found in these products are not meant for human consumption and can potentially have serious health effects.
Malnutrition
Malnutrition happens when people consume too few calories and other important nutrients.
Anorexia also has the highest mortality rate of any mental health condition.
Pressure to lose weight, diet culture,low self-esteem, and other factors may play a role.
These ideals suggest that being thin is the only way to be beautiful.
These attitudes contribute to low self-esteem, negative thinking, and an intense desire to lose weight.
It poses serious health risks and can be fatal.
Could Pica Play a Role?
People with pica generally do not have a reason for their eating behavior.
The condition may be connected to other mental health disorders such as intellectual disability, autism, and schizophrenia.
The specific treatment an individual may need depends on the nature and severity of their symptoms.
The focus of treatment is to help change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to disordered eating behavior.
People also learn new coping skills and make lifestyle changes that can help support their recovery.
The cotton ball diet is an extremely dangerous approach that you should never try.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
2020;35(5):261-270. doi:10.1080/19371918.2020.1791778
National Eating Disorders Association.Pica.)
ABC News.Dangerous diet trend: The cotton ball diet.
Dooley-Hash S.Acute care of eating disorders.Behavioral Emergencies for Healthcare Providers.
