In the highly competitive world of K-Pop, trainees often go to extreme and unhealthy lengths to meet the industry’s demanding weight standards. A former K-Pop trainee has recently shed light on the alarming methods used by aspiring idols to lose weight rapidly. These practices, often driven by the pressure of daily or monthly weigh-ins, can have severe health consequences. Here are five of the most concerning methods reported:
1. Restrictive Diets
K-Pop trainees are often placed on highly restrictive diets consisting mainly of chicken breast, sweet potatoes, and vegetables. While these foods can be part of a balanced diet, relying exclusively on them can lead to significant nutritional deficiencies, depriving the body of essential vitamins and minerals necessary for overall health.
2. Epsom Salt Baths
Inspired by UFC fighters who use similar tactics to make weight for their matches, some trainees resort to taking Epsom salt baths in an attempt to shed pounds quickly. While this method may result in temporary weight loss due to water loss, it carries serious risks, including electrolyte imbalances and dehydration, which can be dangerous.
3. Avoiding Water
In an extreme effort to avoid any weight gain, some trainees go as far as restricting their water intake, leading to dehydration. Dehydration can cause a host of health issues, including dizziness, headaches, and impaired physical performance, making it a particularly dangerous practice, especially when coupled with intense physical activity.
4. Laxative Misuse
Another alarming method used by trainees is the abuse of laxatives. Laxatives are meant to be used for specific medical purposes, but when misused, they can lead to severe dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, and long-term damage to the digestive system. The combination of excessive laxative use and rigorous dance practices further exacerbates the dangers of this practice.
5. Exercising in Trash Bags
In a bid to sweat out as much weight as possible, some trainees wear multiple layers of clothing, including trash bags, while working out. This practice is intended to increase sweating and, by extension, weight loss. However, it poses significant health risks, including heat exhaustion and severe dehydration, as the body is unable to cool itself properly during intense exercise.
These extreme weight loss methods, often fueled by the immense pressure to conform to industry standards, pose serious health risks and are not recommended under any circumstances. They highlight the urgent need for healthier and more sustainable approaches to weight management within the K-Pop industry.
