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What is a tapeworm? -

A tapeworm is a parasitic worm that usually lives in the intestines of its host. Tapeworms infect animals (mostly mammals), including humans.

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How do tapeworms live? -

Being parasitic worms, tapeworms feed off their host to survive, grow, and reproduce.

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What do they look like? -

Tapeworms are flat, resembling a tape, hence the name. The head attaches to the host and the body grows in parts.

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What is the tapeworm diet? -

The tapeworm diet consists of consuming tapeworm eggs, usually in the form of pills.

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Where does the idea come from? -

The bizarre idea dates back to the Victorian Era. But so do a number of unsafe health practices, such as the use of arsenic and heroin. 

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How does it work? -

When the egg hatches, the tapeworm grows and eats whatever food the person ingests. In theory, this allows for eating whatever the person wants and still lose weight.

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Where are people buying these pills from? -

Basically, off the internet. They have in fact been banned by the Food and Drug Administration in the US.

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Reports -

People who have tried them have reported a number of symptoms, including cravings for carbs and weight gain. This is because being infected with a tapeworm can actually increase one's appetite.

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Does the diet actually work? -

“Tapeworms will cause you to lose weight because you have this huge worm in your intestines eating your food,” said Dr. Patricia Quinlisk, medical director of the Iowa Department of Public Health.

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Does the diet actually work? -

While in theory, the theory seems to make sense, it doesn't quite work as expected, and it should be noted that this is definitely not a diet.

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If it’s not a diet, what is it then? -

The “tapeworm diet” is in fact a tapeworm infection, and it can be dangerous.

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The process -

Tapeworms attach themselves to the intestine and feed off the body’s nutrients. They then start to reproduce proglottids and grow.

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They can get really long, and survive even longer -

Tapeworms can grow up to 30 feet (9 meters) long and live up to 30 years inside a person’s body.

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Tapeworms in the the intestine -

Most people with tapeworms are asymptomatic, but they can develop symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, as well as nausea and diarrhea.

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Tapeworms can attach to other tissues -

Tapeworms can attach themselves to other tissues and organs other than the digestive tract. This is called an invasive infection and usually causes symptoms.

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Symptoms of invasive infections -

The symptoms of invasive infections vary, depending on the location the tapeworm attaches to, and how the body responds. This may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and weakness.

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Symptoms of invasive infections -

Complications may arise with invasive larval infection, especially if they attach to organs such as the lungs, liver, heart, or even the spine.

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Symptoms of invasive infections -

Invasive infections may actually lead to cysts that can affect the functioning of specific organs, and consequently, the body as a whole.

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Complications: digestive blockages -

A tapeworm infection can lead to a number of complications, depending on the type of tapeworm and where it attaches. One of them occurs when they grow large enough to block passages in the digestive system. The blockage of the appendix, bile ducts, or pancreatic duct is possible.

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Complications: anemia -

Tapeworms feed on our nutrients. A fish tapeworm, in particular, may absorb a lot of vitamin B12, potentially leading to anemia.

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Complications: allergy -

Some people may actually have an allergic reaction to tapeworm larvae, and respond by developing a number of symptoms, including itching and hives.

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Complications: neurological symptoms -

Tapeworm infections can affect the brain and the central nervous system. This may lead to symptoms such as confusion, seizures, headaches, and brain swelling.

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Complications: brain and nervous system -

A tapeworm infection in the brain and nervous system is called neurocysticercosis and may lead to vision issues and dementia. 

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How is a tapeworm infection diagnosed? -

A number of exams are done, depending on the symptoms and potential location of the tapeworm. The first step is feces analysis and blood tests.  

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How is a tapeworm infection diagnosed? -

Medical imaging tests such as CT scans and MRIs may also be prescribed if there's suspicion of an invasive infection.

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Treatment -

Anthelmintic drugs such as praziquantel, albendazole, and nitazoxanide are usually effective in treating intestinal tapeworm infections.

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Treatment -

In the case of invasive tapeworm infections, it will depend on where the infection is located and the symptoms. Treatment may include surgical removal of cysts if these are formed.

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Treatment -

Anti-seizure medication and treatment for brain swelling (hydrocephalus) may also be required if the brain is affected.

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There is no such thing as a magic pill -

Weight loss should only be approached in a tried and tested way: through a healthy diet and exercise.

Sources: (Healthline) (Cleveland Clinic) (Today) (Medicine Net) 

See also: What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?

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