9. Tapeworm

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This is one we have probably all heard about, one of the “big daddies” in the parasitic worm family. They are normally introduced into the body through eating improperly-prepared food, and will reside in the digestive system living off of the nutrients the host consumes. The largest of these despicable critters is known as the whale tapeworm, and for good reason. They can grow to sizes of up to 100 feet long! Symptoms of infection vary according to the type of worm that’s taken up residence. Tapeworms are not commonly seen in the U.S. these days but can be encountered more commonly where food preparation does not eliminate them. Believe it or not, some people who are desperate to lose weight intentionally infect themselves with tapeworms with the hope that they tapeworm will consume enough food to deprive them of the calories that cause them to be overweight!