The Department of Health (DH) today (February 19) called on members of the public not to consume products containing Ascaris eggs to control their weight as this will harm their health.
The appeal was made following recent reports on the promotion of this kind of product on a commercial website.
A DH spokesman said Ascaris infestation as a way to get slim was not substantiated by scientific evidence. On the contrary, it could cause abdominal pain and distention, vomiting, diarrhoea and malnutrition.
"Ascaris infestation may also be fatal due to serious complications in human bodies such as intestinal, biliary tract or pancreatic duct obstruction. The worms may invade such organs as the lungs.
"The infestation can be treated with medication that kills the parasite. Surgical removal of the worms may be required in case of obstruction," the spokesman said.
The spokesman reiterated that the only natural, healthy and effective means of weight control was through dietary regulation and regular exercise.
He urged members of the public to consult their family doctors before taking drugs for weight control.
Reprinted from HKSAR Government web page:
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200802/19/P200802190176.htm