A disturbing new culinary trend is taking TikTok by storm, leaving health professionals deeply concerned. Dubbed 'Heavy Soda', the trend involves users blending an entire block of butter into a glass of fizzy drink, typically cola, and consuming the high-fat, high-sugar concoction.
What Exactly is the Heavy Soda Trend?
The process is as simple as it is alarming. Participants take a standard 200g block of butter, melt it, and mix it into a large glass of carbonated soda. The result is a greasy, frothy beverage that is then filmed and shared across the platform, often with the hashtag #HeavySoda.
Videos under this hashtag have amassed millions of views, with creators often filming their reactions to drinking the unusual mixture. The trend appears to have gained traction as a form of extreme 'food challenge', similar to other viral internet stunts.
Medical Experts Issue Stern Warning
Nutritionists and doctors have been quick to condemn the trend, highlighting the severe potential health consequences.
Dr. Duane Mellor, a registered dietitian and senior lecturer at Aston University, emphasised the immediate dangers. 'The amount of saturated fat in a 200g block of butter is enormous,' he stated. 'Consuming this in one sitting, combined with the high sugar content of a fizzy drink, poses a significant risk to cardiovascular health. It can lead to a rapid spike in blood lipids and place immense strain on the digestive system.'
The combination is a recipe for more than just discomfort. Potential immediate effects include severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Long-term risks associated with consistently high intake of saturated fats and sugars include an increased likelihood of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
Why Do These Dangerous Trends Go Viral?
The 'Heavy Soda' phenomenon is the latest in a long line of questionable social media challenges that prioritise shock value over safety. The desire for online clout and virality often overrides common sense, particularly among younger audiences seeking validation through likes and shares.
This trend follows other concerning TikTok food fads, such as the 'Borg' (blackout rage gallon) jug of alcohol and dangerous medication challenges. It underscores the ongoing challenge platforms face in moderating content that promotes harmful behaviours.
While TikTok's community guidelines prohibit content that encourages or promotes dangerous acts, the rapid nature of these trends often means they gain widespread visibility before being addressed.
What Should You Do?
Health professionals and online safety advocates urge the public to exercise extreme caution.
- Do not attempt to replicate the Heavy Soda trend or similar challenges.
- Report content that promotes dangerous eating habits or challenges on social media platforms.
- Promote a balanced diet and critical thinking when engaging with online content, especially for younger users.
If you are concerned about your diet or have been affected by issues relating to disordered eating, it is crucial to seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional like a GP or a registered dietitian.
