Thecotton ball diet is afad diet that involves consumingcotton balls dipped in liquids such asjuices orsmoothies.[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 can causeblockages in the digestive system.[3] Blockage in the intestines could result indehydration,bowel obstruction which may cause the death of thegastrointestinal tract and damage tointernal organs.[4] The diet will also result in anutrition disorder.[4]
The diet can also causechoking 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]