What is the ‘plastic eating’ trend in China?

The trend involves placing cling wrap or plastic over the lips while eating high-calorie food to mimic chewing without actually consuming the food.

Why is the plastic eating China trend considered dangerous?

Experts and netizens warn about risks like accidental suffocation, microplastics exposure, and the potential development of unhealthy eating disorders.

Explained: China’s ‘Plastic Eating’ Weight Loss Trend That Leaves Internet Asking “Why?”

Dieting extremes in China’s viral ‘plastic eating’ trend sparks shock, concern, and debate.

By Sasha Shinde Updated February 18, 2026 7:00 PM

Explained: China’s ‘Plastic Eating’ Weight Loss Trend That Leaves Internet Asking “Why?”

Some weight loss trends really have us wondering why people would go to such extremes to go down a few dress sizes. The latest ‘plastic eating’ one, currently drawing attention on social media, emerged from China. It has become a huge rage in the Asian country, especially among the younger crowd. Read all about what the trend is and why it’s problematic.

All About The ‘Plastic Eating’ Trend In China

Have you ever wondered if you enjoy the feeling of eating without consuming any of the calories? Well, the new ‘plastic eating’ method is the answer. A bunch of videos of youngsters (in their teens and thirties) emerged, showing them following this bizarre trend. Instead of normally eating high-calorie foods like sweets or red meat, the wave involves placing a piece of plastic (or cling wrap) over one’s lips. It acts as a barrier, preventing the ingestion of any of the food, satiating the urge to eat, people say.

En China se puso de moda ponerse un plástico en la boca a la hora de comer…
¿Sabés por qué?
Mirá el vídeo …
¿Creés que esté método es efectivo? pic.twitter.com/NLTqhPylbG

— La China (@ChinaNipona) February 17, 2026

This is far the strangest thing the internet has made viral, but it’s definitely up there. Chewing around the plastic supposedly allows one to feel like they’re eating. But when one can’t taste the food or swallow it, can we really say that one is ‘eating’?

China Plastic Eating Trend: Netizens Ask “Why?”

The looming, real threat of consuming microplastics has been on netizens’ minds after seeing this. After expressing their astonishment, many appeared to be concerned about possible suffocation and injury if the cling wrap gets stuck.

obvious harm of eating disorders aside, why the hell would anyone do it like this? no tasting or anything just a sheet of plastic covered in your spittle

— Virescent (@neovirescent) February 18, 2026

Others were worried about new eating disorders developing due to this weird ‘plastic eating’ trend. Many expressed their disgust, saying there was no point in eating and wondering why one would try this in the first place. People even considered it to be a waste of plastic and disrespectful to the food!

Also Read: What Is Hot Take Dating? The Viral 2026 Relationship Trend That Cuts Through Small Talk

Honestly, eating through plastic is not a long-term solution to gaining weight. Chewing gum could perhaps be an alternative to nibbling on plastic wrap. However, we believe portion control, along with adequate exercise, would be a better way to stay healthy. Nonetheless, this ‘plastic eating’ trend caught our attention, no matter how eccentric we found it!

Also Read: 5 Diet Tips To Help You With Your Weight Loss Goal

First Published: February 18, 2026 7:00 PM

Sasha Shinde

Sasha is a Content Writer with experience covering K-pop, K-dramas, and more. She enjoys analysing and decoding music videos, movies, and series for work. Outside work, she can be found sampling Asian food, attempting to tackle her exhaustive reading list, or scrolling on Instagram till she blends with the couch.