Tadpole water is a new weight loss trend that is going viral on social media among Gen Z — the unusual drink, which combines warm water, chia seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lemon, is said to be a game changer in the attempt for a slimmer waistline.
Tadpole water refers to the drink's appearance, which resembles baby frogs swimming in ponds. Young social media users are praising the benefits of this homemade mixture, claiming it helps them lose fat, reduce bloating, and improve gut health.
Mariah Padilla, the 18-year-old TikTok user, is open about her success with the trend. ‘I can confirm that it does work for weight loss,’ Padilla said in a viral video, adding that she lost three pounds in just three days.
Despite her findings, Padilla admits that the drink's texture and taste are less than appealing.
‘It has a funky texture and it makes me gag, but it's worth it,’ she explained.
The popularity of ‘tadpole water’ is similar to other recent viral weight loss trends such as ‘Rice-Zempic’ and ‘Oat-Zempic,’ which involve mixing rice or oats with water and lime juice to reduce appetite. Supporters of ‘tadpole water’ believe its key ingredient, chia seeds, has fat-burning properties.
According to Harvard Health, chia seeds contain fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
These nutrients promote digestive health and weight management while also lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The seeds create a gel-like substance in the stomach, which can increase feelings of fullness while decreasing appetite and calorie intake.
Content creator Ambria Streicher shared her experience, saying, ‘To be honest, this stuff is NOT good.’
Experts also provide a crucial tip for those trying the trend: ‘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,’ warned Jen, a cuisine enthusiast. ‘It's just going to disrupt your digestive system.’
As ‘tadpole water’ gains popularity, it remains to be seen whether this trend will become a long-term weight loss solution or just another passing trend.
