Health authorities and doctors in China have warned against a viral weight-loss practice circulating on social media after multiple people were hospitalized with severe gastrointestinal symptoms. According to the South China Morning Post, the trend involves mixing the contents of a glycerin enema with sugar-free tea and drinking it, despite the medication being intended only for rectal use.
Medical experts say the method does not burn body fat and can instead lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and digestive tract injury.
According to the South China Morning Post, several patients were admitted to a major hospital in Henan Province after following the viral weight-loss method that has been widely shared online. Social media posts claimed that consuming a mixture of sugar-free tea and a glycerin enema could help users lose up to 4 kg in just two days.
One patient, identified only by her surname Ma, reportedly developed severe abdominal pain about 30 minutes after drinking the mixture. She later experienced repeated vomiting and diarrhea throughout the night, requiring medical treatment.
I went to the toilet once an hour. I could not sleep for the whole night", she said.
The trend encourages people to squeeze the liquid from a glycerin enema into a bottle of sugar-free tea before drinking it. A glycerin enema is a medication designed to relieve constipation by stimulating bowel movements through rectal administration.1
Doctors emphasized that the product is not intended for oral consumption and should only be used according to the manufacturer's instructions or medical advice.
In early July, a major hospital in Henan Province reported through its social media channels that it had treated numerous emergency patients who became unwell after attempting the viral weight-loss method, as reported in the South China Morning Post.
The hospital also cautioned that sugar-free tea beverages containing compounds such as theophylline, polyphenols, and tannic acid may trigger diarrhea and abdominal pain, particularly in individuals with sensitive digestive systems or those who consume them on an empty stomach.
If people add the glycerin enema to it, the laxative effect will be doubled. It is a ‘double blow’ to the digestive system.Hospital Representative, Henan Province
The hospital emphasized that glycerin enemas are intended exclusively for rectal use and should never be taken orally. It also stated that there is no scientific evidence to support claims that consuming an enema with tea promotes weight loss.
According to the South China Morning Post, nutritionist Sun Hailan from Chongqing Women's and Children's Hospital stated that the apparent weight loss associated with the trend reflects water loss and emptying of the intestines rather than fat reduction.
She explained that body weight generally returns after normal hydration and food intake are restored, meaning the method does not produce sustained fat loss.
Even if your weight dropped, what you have lost is not fat, but impacted stool and plenty of water from your body. Once you replenish your water, you will regain weight in a short time. It is not helpful for weight loss.Sun Hailan, Nutritionist, Chongqing Women's and Children's Hospital
Doctors involved in the reported cases advised the public not to rely on unverified weight-loss methods promoted on social media. They stated that there is no scientific evidence that drinking a mixture of glycerin enema and tea promotes fat loss, while the practice may increase the risk of dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, vomiting, diarrhea, and other complications requiring hospital care.
What is a glycerin enema used for?
A glycerin enema is a medication used to relieve constipation by stimulating bowel movements. It is intended for rectal use only and should never be swallowed.
Can drinking a glycerin enema help with weight loss?
There is no scientific evidence that drinking a glycerin enema promotes fat loss. Any temporary reduction in body weight is mainly due to water loss and emptying of the bowels, not loss of body fat.
What are the health risks of consuming a glycerin enema?
Swallowing a glycerin enema may cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and irritation or injury to the digestive tract. Severe cases may require medical treatment.
1. Knights, Fiona. 2025. “How to Administer an Enema in Adults.” Nursing Standard 40 (7): 68–73. Published online May 12, 2025. https://doi.org/10.7748/ns.2025.e12479.
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