So there have been many fad diets, but as we’ve come to learn, fad diets just do not work. So an American woman thought she’d search the Internet for alternative ways to help her shed a few pounds.

An Iowa woman discovered a website proclaiming that tapeworms were answer to her weight problem, the site explained how the parasite can be used as an excellent weight-loss tool.

On a trip to her local doctor the lady explained how she had ingested a live tapeworm that she had purchased from the internet, in a desperate attempt to lose weight.

The Doctor then contacted Iowa Department of Public Health, asking for advice on the patients bizarre admission.

A tapeworm is a parasite that often lives in the intestine of animals after becoming infected by drinking contaminated water or grazing in pastures.

The main cause of human infection is the consumption of undercooked meat from infected animals. Tapeworm symptoms can include nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

Tapeworms are easily treated however can lead to serious complications that can be life threatening.

According to the Des Moines Register, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk, medical director at the department e-mailed public health co-workers around the state about the incident. “Ingesting tapeworms is extremely risky and can cause a wide range of undesirable side effects, including rare deaths.”

“Those desiring to lose weight are advised to stick with proven weight loss methods; consuming fewer calories and increasing physical activity.” 

We all would like to lose a few pounds, but eating a live worm, we think we’ll pass.