An Iowa woman attempted to lose weight by swallowing a tapeworm after purchasing one on the Internet, according to USA Today.
After telling her doctor about the incident, a call was made to the Iowa Department of Public Health. Dr. Patricia Quinlisk, the department's medical director, suggested an anti-worm medication be administered to the woman.
Quinlisk made note of the tapeworm in a weekly email to the state's health workers.
"Ingesting tapeworms is extremely risky and can cause a wide range of undesirable side effects, including rare deaths," Quinlisk wrote. "Those desiring to lose weight are advised to stick with proven weight loss methods - consuming fewer calories and increasing physical activity."
The medical director also said that about a century ago, people used to sell tapeworm eggs in pill form to aid weight loss.
Tapeworms are parasites that live in the intestines of humans and animals. Usually, people experience tapeworms after consuming undercooked meat. Symptoms are mild and generally include stomach pain, appetite loss, upset stomach, and diarrhea. However, Taenia solium -- a tapeworm ingested from pork -- can cause seizures, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
According to USA TODAY, one tapeworm cannot absorb enough food to allow for a significant weight loss, according to research. The tapeworm can cause anemia and malnutrition, though, and is estimated to grow up to 30 feet long.
Additionally, a woman who starts out with one tapeworm can potentially spread fertilized worm eggs each time she goes to the bathroom as the worms have both male and female reproductive systems. Tapeworm eggs have been detected in the stool up to 2 to 3 months post-ingestion.
While the potential of the tapeworm is serious, there are several medications to take care of the issue. Most doctors prescribe praziquantel or niclosamide.
