Health authorities in South Korea have moved swiftly to quash a dangerous and viral social media claim that promotes a specific alcoholic drink as a miracle weight loss solution. The bizarre trend, which gained traction on platforms like Instagram, suggests that consuming a high-alcohol cocktail after a high-fat meal can prevent weight gain.
The now-debunked method involved drinking a mix of the Korean spirit Soju and the sugary carbonated drink Sprite. Proponents of the trend falsely claimed this combination would somehow block the body's absorption of fat.
Official Response and Health Risks
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) issued an official statement, labelling the claim as "groundless" and urging the public to ignore the advice. Health experts clarified that the opposite is true: consuming alcohol after a meal high in fat and calories only serves to increase the total calorie intake significantly, potentially leading to weight gain rather than loss.
Furthermore, officials highlighted the severe health risks associated with mixing spirits and carbonated drinks. This combination can accelerate the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, increasing the risk of acute intoxication, alcohol poisoning, and severe hangovers. Long-term, such practices can contribute to liver damage, digestive issues, and other chronic health conditions.
The Dangers of Viral Health Misinformation
This incident underscores the growing challenge of health misinformation spreading rapidly through social networks. The KDCA's decision to publicly address a specific viral trend is a sign of its potential reach and the perceived risk to public health. It serves as a stark reminder to critically evaluate health advice found online and to consult medical professionals instead of relying on unverified social media posts.
The agency's warning concluded by emphasising that no scientific evidence supports this method and that effective weight management comes from a balanced diet and regular exercise, not from unproven and potentially harmful internet hacks.
