Misleading weight loss trends are taking social media by storm, with millions of TikTok users sharing and trying out DIY hacks that promise rapid results without leaving home. However, health experts are raising concerns about their effectiveness and potential harm.

Among the most popular weight loss fads currently trending on TikTok are the castor oil belly rub and the coffee with lemon drink. These viral methods have racked up tens of thousands of likes and views, but health professionals caution that their benefits are overstated—and in some cases, entirely fictional.

The castor oil trend involves rubbing the oil, derived from castor beans, onto the stomach with claims that it can flatten the belly within weeks. A single TikTok post promoting this method has garnered over 49,000 likes.

However, Priya Tew, a specialist dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association, dismissed the claims. “There is no proof that applying castor oil can affect your internal fat or aid in weight loss,” she said. “It’s essentially just moisturizing your skin.”

Dr. Adam Collins, Professor of Nutrition at the University of Surrey, agreed. “There’s no metabolic reason for castor oil to impact visceral fat. These claims are simply not based on science.”

Another enduring trend is adding lemon to coffee, which surged in popularity in 2024 and remains widely shared in 2025. Supporters suggest the mixture boosts metabolism and fat burning due to caffeine’s natural stimulant effects.

But experts say that while caffeine can slightly increase metabolism, the impact is minimal. “It’s not like you’ll suddenly burn hundreds more calories,” said Dr. Collins. “And high doses of caffeine can lead to other health issues.”

Dr. Christophe Matthys, professor of Human Nutrition at KU Leuven, warned of additional risks. “Overconsumption of caffeine can affect sleep and disrupt hunger cues, leading to overeating,” he explained. “That can actually work against weight loss goals.”

Beyond physical health, experts are also worried about the psychological toll these trends may have, especially on younger audiences. “People can develop distorted relationships with food,” said Matthys. “These ideas often aren’t based on any scientific understanding but can leave lasting mental effects.”

Tew emphasized that sustainable weight loss comes from consistent, manageable changes—not viral shortcuts. “Adding a portion of fruit, snacking on nuts instead of crisps—these are the kinds of small changes that make a long-term difference,” she said.

Importantly, she also stressed that weight isn’t the only—or best—indicator of health. “We can be healthy in all shapes and sizes. Being in a larger body doesn’t necessarily mean you’re unhealthy or need to lose weight,” she added.

As TikTok continues to shape wellness conversations, experts urge users to be critical of trends and to seek evidence-based advice when it comes to their health.

As Testicular Cancer Awareness Month continues, health experts are emphasizing the importance of early detection in fighting the most common cancer affecting young men.

Although testicular cancer is relatively rare, it remains the leading cancer diagnosis among men under 45, with cases peaking in the late 20s and early 30s. Fortunately, when identified early, it is also among the most treatable forms of cancer. According to recent European data, 95% of men diagnosed before age 45 survive at least five years.

Despite these promising statistics, doctors warn that a lack of awareness and social taboos surrounding self-examinations may delay diagnoses. “There is no self-examination culture due to taboos,” said Dr. Hendrik Van Poppel, a urologist with the European Association of Urology and co-chair of the European Cancer Organisation’s inequalities network.

One in every 250 men in Europe is diagnosed with testicular cancer, but certain groups face a higher risk. Men with a family history of testicular cancer, those with HIV or fertility issues, and white men are more vulnerable. Additionally, men with cryptorchidism — a condition where the testicles fail to descend into the scrotum — are at increased risk. Between 5 to 10% of men with testicular cancer had cryptorchidism as children, though the condition can be corrected through surgery.

Van Poppel advises young men and teenage boys to perform monthly self-examinations, preferably during a warm shower or bath when the scrotum is relaxed. “Check each testicle separately for lumps or changes,” he said.

Most abnormalities found during self-exams are not cancer, but a small, painless lump should be evaluated by a doctor. Other signs include enlargement or pain in the testicle, and a scrotum that feels unusually hard, heavy, or achy. Additional symptoms, particularly if the cancer has spread, may include back or lower abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, a persistent cough, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and chest soreness.

If testicular cancer is diagnosed, treatment usually begins with surgery to remove the affected testicle. Depending on the stage of the disease, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may follow. Some patients choose to have an artificial testicle implanted for cosmetic or psychological reasons.

Fertility may be impacted by certain treatments, so men are encouraged to consider sperm banking before beginning therapy. If the cancer has metastasized, more aggressive treatments or palliative care options may be recommended to manage symptoms and prolong life.

However, experts stress that a diagnosis is not a death sentence. “Many of these guys who are discovered late, even metastatic, can be cured,” said Van Poppel. “But the main goal should be timely detection.”

With awareness and regular self-checks, early intervention remains the key to successful treatment and recovery.

The United Kingdom has reported a new case of the highly contagious mpox clade Ib strain, becoming the latest European country to document an infection amid rising global concern over the virus’s spread.

The UK Health Security Agency confirmed that the newly identified patient had not travelled recently and had no known link to previously confirmed cases, suggesting possible local transmission. Authorities have traced the individual’s close contacts, but no additional cases have been reported. Health officials say the overall public risk remains low.

The new strain, known as clade Ib, first emerged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 2023 and has since caused thousands of infections across Central Africa, particularly in Burundi and Uganda. While two major subtypes of mpox exist, Clade I, predominant in Central Africa, is considered more severe than Clade II, which triggered a global outbreak in 2022 and remains active at low levels in parts of Europe and North America.

Clade Ib has proven particularly troubling for public health experts due to its potential for easier transmission and more severe illness, particularly among children. Mpox spreads through close skin-to-skin contact and can cause symptoms such as fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, and respiratory issues. In August 2024, the World Health Organization declared the African mpox outbreak a global public health emergency.

Following early warnings, the UK prepared for potential transmission by securing more than 150,000 doses of mpox vaccines and establishing vaccination sites across England. The country’s first clade Ib cases were reported in October 2024, involving a returning traveller who subsequently infected household members.

Elsewhere in Europe, several countries have reported cases of the clade Ib strain. Germany has confirmed eight cases to date, including household transmissions among children, while Belgium has recorded five cases since December. France reported two cases earlier this year linked to individuals returning from Central Africa.

Sweden was the first non-African country to detect the new strain, reporting a case in August 2024 involving a patient who had recently travelled to an affected area. Ireland has documented one case of the related but distinct clade Ia strain in February, involving a traveller from the DRC who was hospitalised in Dublin.

Globally, the new strain has also been identified in the United States, Canada, Brazil, China, India, Thailand, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the virus’s increasing international footprint.

European health officials continue to monitor developments closely. While the risk to the general public remains low, experts stress the importance of preparedness, including vaccination and early detection, as the virus continues to spread beyond Africa.