TikTok's latest health trend sees Gen Z content creators downing cups of 'tadpole water' in an attempt to shed weight.
Clips watched by millions around the globe show users downing a glass of water infused with chia seeds in a bid to lose weight.
The drink, which turns into a gel-like texture after 30 minutes, hence its nickname of 'tadpole water', allegedly encourages weight loss by flushing the body out, acting as a natural laxative.
However, in conversation with FEMAIL, a health expert claimed that, while chia seeds are 'very healthy' and 'great for digestion', consuming them excessively might have the reverse effect and lead to weight gain.
Dr Ross Perry, GP and Medical Director of Cosmedics said: 'They are relatively high in fat, so it's also important not to overdo it as actually too much can add to weight gain.'
TikTok is rife with Gen Z claiming chia seeds mixed with water, also known as tadpole water, can lead to weight loss, with content creator Mariah (pictured), from the US, claiming it made her lose 'three pounds'
Despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting the claim that chia seed water fuels weight loss, TikTok is filled with individuals sharing the recipe.
A content creator and private chef, who goes by @sheeatsart, from California, racked up over 37 thousand views on her video encouraging individuals to consume chia seeds in water.
She said: 'Health tip of the day. If you don't put water in your chia seeds before you consume them, your chia seeds will expand in your stomach, causing blockage, meaning you'll be constipated.
'It's just going to disrupt your digestive system, so just put a little water in your chia seeds, let it expand, then add it to your oatmeal, then put it in your smoothie. You're welcome.'
Elsewhere, others have claimed that the chia seed drink will directly lead to weight loss.
A content creator called Mariah Padilla, from the US, claimed she lost 'three pounds' from chia seed water, adding: 'I can confirm it does work for weight loss'.
In a video shared to her 141 thousand followers, she added: 'It makes me gag but it's worth it'.
'Me slurping down my tadpole water just to get skinny,' another user under @lordfarquadsdaughter wrote on TikTok.
Elsewhere, content creator Nai Pai, who goes by @princessnaipie on TikTok, said the drink is 'life changing'
Private chef and content creator Jen (pictured) claimed that adding chia seeds to water avoids constipation
Another, who goes by @lordfarquaadsdaughter, said she is drinking tadpole water to 'get skinny'
Content creator Nai Pai, who boasts 31 thousand followers on TikTok, shared footage of her 'tadpole water' and wrote: 'Me and my tadpole water against the world'. She added in the caption: 'Lifechanging'.
Despite the platform featuring videos claiming that the chia seed drink can lead to weight loss, health experts suggest otherwise.
Dr Perry explained: 'One of the latest trends on social media, namely TikTok, is drinking chia seed water to speed up weight loss and curb hunger cravings.
'Chia seeds as a rule of thumb are very healthy and great for digestion, boasting tons of vitamins and packed full of fibre as well as being good for digestion and heart health, so incorporating them into our diets isn't a bad idea.'
'Numerous celebrities and fitness influencers are promoting the idea that drinking a glass of water with chia seeds prior to eating a meal can help you to feel fuller for longer.'
'Yes, chia seeds are great to incorporate into one's diet as they are healthy and can help with our digestive system but equally, they can be added to porridge, a smoothie, or a salad.
'They are relatively high in fat, so it's also important not to overdo it as actually too much can add to weight gain.
Mariah said that while the drink makes her 'gag' due to the thick texture, the results make it 'worth it'
'With any of these 'trends/fads' it's about moderation, and when it comes to weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight, it's not rocket science to eat a well-balanced diet, drink plenty of water and exercise.'
He concluded: 'Whether we add them to water or not there is little difference, other than it's not particularly pleasant, and in my opinion, just adding a sprinkling to porridge or salad is going to do much of the same thing.'
WHAT IS FIBRE AND HOW MUCH SHOULD I EAT?
Fibre or roughage is part of food that passes through the body undigested.
It stays in your gut and is the main part of your stools.
Fibre in food is essential for your bowel to work well.
It works by softening the stool and stimulating the muscles of the bowel.
Not eating enough fibre can cause constipation, diverticular disease and haemorrhoids.
Increasing the fibre in your diet helps keep stools soft, regular and more comfortable to pass.
Britons each an average of 18g per day but are told to eat 30g a day as part of a healthy and balanced diet.
Source: NHS
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Elsewhere,plant-based chef, certified nutrition & fitness coach, Lisa Marley, from London said chia seeds are 'not a miracle weight loss solution'.
Lisa, who features inChannel 4's new series Make Your Move and Channel 5's Secrets of The Fast Food Giants, said relying on the drink may lead to 'disappointment' and 'frustration'.
She said: 'While chia seed water may have some health benefits, it is important to note that it is not a miracle weight loss solution.
'Drinking chia seed water alone will not magically make you skinny. Weight loss requires a combination of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle.
'Relying solely on chia seed water for weight loss may lead to disappointment and frustration.
'Chia seeds are high in fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. Consuming chia seed water may help improve digestion, promote heart health, and boost energy levels.
'Additionally, chia seeds have been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation in the body.
'Drinking chia seeds in water allows them to absorb liquid and form a gel-like consistency, which may help keep you hydrated and make you feel fuller for longer. This can be beneficial for weight management and overall health.
'However, consuming chia seeds in water may not necessarily be more effective than incorporating them into your diet in other forms, such as adding them to smoothies, porridge, or yoghurt.'
She concluded: 'Ultimately, the key is to consume chia seeds as part of a balanced and varied diet to reap their full benefits.'
Chia seeds (pictured) are tiny black seeds from the Salvia hispanic plant — a member of the mint family
They absorb water quickly to form a gel like texture and are often added to smoothies, porridge and yoghurt for their health benefits
Meanwhile, Beanie Robinson of The Health Space said: 'Chia seeds expand in your stomach and are high in fibre, so they give the feeling of satiety which makes them a popular dieters choice.'
'I would act with caution on just eating one food to lose weight and encourage people to create a well-balanced diet that incorporates lean good quality protein, as well as lots of fibre and healthy fats.'
The nutritionist added: 'It isn't sustainable to stick to something like chia seed water in a bid to lose weight.
'It can be easy to home in one ingredient but that makes the diet very restricted in terms of diversity, which is key for a healthy gut microbiome, and you'd be very unlikely to sustain it long term and could end up bingeing as a result.
She concluded: 'You can't just drink chia seed water forever; at some point you're going to crack.'
