Teen boys are going to extreme lengths to be ‘skinny like Timothée Chalamet' — and parents are worried
When Casey's 14-year-old son, Ethan, stopped eating junk food and began obsessively counting calories, he knew something was wrong. Then the boy's waist line began shrinking.
'He is really not eating a lot at meal time,' Casey, who asked to use pseudonyms for himself and his son, told The Post of Ethan, who is 5'8″ and 122 pounds.
The red flags were mild at first. Ethan, an eighth grader at a private school in Manhattan, started turning down ice cream, his favorite dessert despite always having had a sweet tooth.
One night at dinner, Casey noticed his son was taking photos of the food on his plate and uploading them to MyFitnessPal — a weight-loss app — to see how many calories of food he was consuming.
'He's determined to lose weight, but he doesn't have any to lose,' Casey said.
Parents and eating-disorder specialists told The Post how more teenage boys and young men have become hyper-alert about their physique lately — with the muscular and buff look becoming less desirable as waifish stars like Timothée Chalamet and trends like 'mewing' and 'looksmaxing' continue to dominate social media.
'Today's youth are challenging the gender norm more than they have in the past,' said Jason Nagata, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco
In other words, dieting is no longer just the domain of girls.
'It used to be boys wanted to bulk up,' Casey told The Post. 'Now, actors like Timothée Chalamet are giving them a whole new look to achieve.'
Just ask 19-year-old Dempsey Bobbit, a Cranford, New Jersey, college freshman who recently won third place in a Chalamet look-alike contest.
'My friends at school that are girls say they want skinny men. It's so the opposite of what you'd expect,' he said. As a result, 'Every guy I know is really critical of what they eat. It's kind of weird. They pay attention to it. They're always trying to get leaner. Broccoli, rice, chicken — chicken is the only protein.'
Bobbit himself is 5′ 9″ and weighs between 120 and 125 pounds, and said he is 'naturally thin' without trying: 'I don't eat a lot, period. I'm into candy, soda. That, and coffee is my diet.'
But, everywhere he goes, he sees other guys his age desperate to get skinny.
'Every time I go to the gym it's like, 'Do I look fat?'' he said of his peers. 'These are normal guys who are self-conscious about how they look.'
One third of adolescent boys in the US are trying to lose weight, according to a 2023 study by the Department of Pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco found.
Casey believes Ethan and his friends are chasing a romantic ideal.
'Girls the age of my son don't feel threatened by a Timothée Chalamet body, so they kind of communicate this to the boys in their grade,' he said. 'Then [the boys] try to emulate Chalamet's particular brand of masculine acceptability.'
Spencer Delorenzo — a 22-year-old Long Islander who is 5′ 4″ and weighs 98 pounds — told The Post 'women are straying away from the big, muscular guys so men are now interested in losing weight. I have friends who were like, 'Oh I wish I was as skinny as you.''
On TikTok and Reddit, there are plenty of communities and influencers dedicated to how to get Chalamet's cinched waist — he can reportedly fit into size 29 women's jeans — or comedian Matt Rife's chiseled jawline.
An alarming number of teen boys in compression shirts, flexing flat biceps and flaunting tiny waistlines, appear in videos on the 'Skinnerboys' TikTok discover page — which is devoted to 'tips and tricks for skinny boys to look better in style and fitness.'
The hyper obsession with weight is also fueled by the 'looksmaxxing,' in which teen and twenty-something men aim to reshape their jawlines and cheekbones to up their 'sexual market value.'
That has spawned the 'mewing trend' — flattening the tongue to the roof of the mouth to achieve a defined jawline a la Christian Bale's Patrick Bateman character in the movie 'American Psycho.'
TikTok is also full of young men posting their calorie counts and meal plans on the #MyFitnessPal app, which is technically restricted for minors.
It's estimated that 1 in 3 people with an eating disorder are men, and 10 million American boys and men will struggle with the disorder at some point in their lives, according to data from the American Psychological Association.
'I used to be upset if he ate junk food – now I'm buying the junk food. Ice cream, pastries, anything from the bakery,' Casey told The Post. 'My concern is the physical damage it could do by [him] continuing to not eat well.'
At his son's annual physical, Casey said, the doctor told Ethan he needed to gain weight. And Ethan is not the only one in his friend group doing this.
'I started to notice his friends were getting really skinny — seriously getting thin,' Casey told The Post, adding that other parents have told him their young sons are suddenly dieting.
Ironically, Chalamet, 29, has said that, when he was younger he lost roles in the 'Maze Runner' and 'Divergent' film series because 'the feedback was always, 'Oh, you don't have the right body.'
'I had an agent that called me and said, 'You got to put on weight basically,'' the actor told Apple Music's Zane Lowe, adding that he gained 20 pounds for his award-winning role in 'A Complete Unknown.'
But his super slim look is even changing things for young men in Hollywood.
Zander Dueve, 22, who works as an actor and model by day and security guard by night, told The Post casting directors are seeking lanky body types.
'It's definitely a malnourished look,' he said, noting that he is 5′ 11′ and wears a men's size 29 pants. 'It's become a phenomenon — everybody wants that look.
'It's kind of f–ked up that people like it, but it is what it is.'
National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) website
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Doctors warn about ‘very real risks' of Ozempic ‘golden dosing' trend: ‘Recipes for disaster'
GLP-1 users might be jabbing for weight loss, but many are trying to combat cash loss by squeezing an extra dose out of their medication. The trend, dubbed 'golden dosing,' has been hyped by social media users as a way to get more bang for your buck. But doctors are warning it could be dangerous — and even set back your weight loss goals. 'Using a medication outside of its prescribed method is always risky — and in this case, especially unnecessary,' Dr. Michael Snyder, medical director of Bariatric Surgery at Rose Medical Center and an in-house expert at FuturHealth, told The Post. Advertisement 4 Surveys show that roughly 1 in 8 US adults have tried GLP-1 drugs. millaf – What is golden dosing? GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy come in injectable pens that contain four doses, with each device lasting about a month. But some users have noticed that their pens often have leftover liquid after their final jab. This extra medication isn't a mistake. It's designed to allow for an initial flow check and to ensure that each of the four doses is accurate and complete. Advertisement Nevertheless, some TikTok users are extracting this leftover liquid with syringes and needles, using it as a fifth and final 'golden dose.' With out of pockets costs for these drugs sometimes topping $1,000 a pen, pulling out the extra medication has become a way to cut back a bit on exorbitant costs. But experts say the trend raises some major red flags. 'The 'golden dose' is more of a cost-saving strategy than one focused on safety and effectiveness,' Dr. Shiara Melissa Ortiz-Pujols, a bariatric surgeon at Northwell Health, told The Post. Advertisement 4 Typically, GLP-1 pens contain four doses. Fernanda – A dose of confusion GLP-1 pens deliver pre-measured doses that are carefully prescribed by healthcare providers based on factors like weight and health status. 'Any deviation — even what might seem like a 'small' one — can disrupt how your body responds,' Snyder warned. Advertisement GLP-1s are typically titrated, meaning the dosage is gradually increased over time to help the body adjust to the drug. 'As we increase the dose, we expect greater effectiveness, but we also face a higher risk of severe side effects,' Ortiz-Pujols explained. 4 Taking too much of the medication can lead to painful gastrointestinal effects. – Increasing your dose too quickly or taking inconsistent amounts week to week can worsen side effects, she said. It could also complicate your treatment plan, making it difficult for doctors to accurately track how your body is responding to the medications and make informed adjustments based on your personal needs, Snyder cautioned. From hack to hazard Attempting to recover leftover medication using a syringe also carries 'very real risks' for your health, Snyder said. Even minor miscalculations can lead to overdoses, triggering symptoms like nausea, vomiting and even pancreatitis. Advertisement 4 There's a major risk for bacterial growth if the syringe isn't completely sterile. Jo Panuwat D – On the flip side, underdosing can blunt the drug's effectiveness, resulting in weight regain and glucose instability. 'To put it simply, how comfortable would you feel using what you think is the 'right amount' of a blood pressure medication, a blood thinner, or a narcotic?' Snyder posed. 'All of those could be recipes for disaster. This situation is no different.' A hidden danger Advertisement The trend also poses a serious risk of infection. 'GLP-1 pens are designed to be used as a sealed system,' Snyder said. 'Using an external syringe breaks sterility, exposing the medication to bacteria during handling — even from clean-looking surfaces or hands.' This can lead to local infections at the injection site or even systemic infections, Snyder noted, emphasizing that the risk is particularly high for those who reuse syringes or directly touch the drug solution. 'There's no reliable way to make this DIY method safe,' Snyder said. 'That's why these pens are single-use and designed for highly controlled administration.'


New York Post
6 hours ago
- New York Post
Full Moon rituals: Harness lunar energy to illuminate your own power
For as long as human beings have lifted their eyes to the night sky, we've been awed by the pockmarked mirror of the moon. The fastest-moving celestial body, the moon, and her cycles govern tides, menstruation, migratory patterns, and time. A full moon occurs when the moon is directly opposite the sun in its orbit around Earth. Spiritually speaking, that opposition — between yin and yang, light and dark — makes for a potent time for surrender and a heightened sense of emotionality. As such, full moons are synonymous with closure, culmination, revelation, and endings of cycles, habits, and relationships. How often is there a full moon 5 Full moons are synonymous with closure, culmination, revelation, and endings of cycles, habits, and relationships. Iqbal – It takes the moon about 29.5 days to venture through all of its phases, and each month hosts, on average, one full moon. 'Full moons are known to affect our bodies and minds. I believe that lunar energy creates a low-grade electromagnetic field that heightens our human magnetic field. This amplification of our electromagnetic waves can also amplify our mental states and our physical vigor. It is a little like a vibrational, adrenaline rush,' Iosellev 'Josie' Castañeda, a modern-day curandera, healer and author of 'Latine Herbalism: A Beginner's Guide to Modern Curanderismo, Healing Plants, and Folk Traditions of the Americas,' tells The Post, Castañeda maintains that if directed toward self-inquiry, lunar energy can become a ceaseless source of power and knowing. How long does a full moon last? Technically, the Full Moon is a moment that coincides with the Earth, the moon, and the Sun in exact alignment. However, the moon appears full for three days, and depending on your energetic relationship, lunar work can be done on or around the day of the full moon. In astrology, the moon represents intuition, things felt but not seen, nourishment, and the divine feminine. The sign and house placement of the moon in the birth chart indicates how we are formed and fed by shadow and light. 5 Iosellev 'Josie' Castañeda is a modern-day curandera and author of 'Latine Herbalism.' courtesy of Josie Castañeda. Castañeda notes, in kind, that in many indigenous cultures, the moon is representative of the Grandmother archetype. 'Her brightness allows us to see our ancestors, the stars. When we approach the full moon from this perspective, we can begin to set aside the idea of a magnification of energy and connect more to the contemplative state that the full moon can foster. In effect, the child, reaching out to Grandmother for soothing and loving advice.' In her book, 'Latine Herbalism,' Castañeda notes that the experience of sitting under the Full Grandmother Moon brings coolness and a softness that correlates to a relaxed nervous system that is ready to receive. 'When your nervous system is relaxed, you can 'see' inward. You have the mental space to contemplate thoughts and emotions from a detached point of view. All contemplative practices are meant to free you from the mundane patterns of reaction. The connection to Grandmother Full Moon can also free your mind by allowing this state of discernment.' Preparing for the Full Moon: 5 To prepare for the power of the main event of the full moon, Castañeda recommends conscious clearing of the literal and metaphorical variety. Jeerawat – Castañeda suggests keeping company with supportive friends and family in the days before and after the full moon to fortify yourself with positive, affirmative energy. To prepare for the power of the main event of the full moon, Castañeda recommends conscious clearing of the literal and metaphorical variety. 'Keeping in mind the quiet you want to cultivate, declutter, tidy & clean your personal space, altars, and sacred areas two or three days before a full moon. Prepare your areas in a way that they are ready to welcome the full moon, and your efforts will be… effortless. This looks like having everything in the right place, flowers, incense, candles, etc., ready to be used without hassle.' Castañeda suggests bathing the body and washing hair 3-4 hours before the full moon reaches its peak. 'This lowers the electromagnetic resonance. It is important to keep your own vibrational energy calm and receptive without extra stimulation.' During the Full Moon peak hour: 5 During both full moons and eclipses, Castañeda suggests covering any mirrors in your home Nataliya – To aid and abet cosmic contemplation, Castañeda recommends a fasting protocol. 'Fasting 4-6 hours before peak helps clear the organs both physically and energetically of stagnation. You can break the fast with an herbal tea that deepens relaxation an hour after peak. During the fast, move slowly, do breath work, or restorative Yoga.' During both full moons and eclipses, Castañeda suggests covering any mirrors in your home. 'Reflective surfaces can 'attract' electromagnetic energy that is super magnified and overwhelming. If you are looking to contemplate during this heightened time, make the effort to cover large mirrors and reduce the bouncing energies.' She also advocates for a digital detox during a full moon, powering down phones, TVs, wi-fi, Bluetooth, and other electronics. 'While the electromagnetic waves of these devices are not seen or heard, at least by human ears, you will feel the difference when you disconnect from the power grid. Again, we want to reduce as much of the electric noise as possible to tune inward.' To that effect, Castañeda says that for those with an established meditation practice, meditating during a full moon can take you to surprising heights and depths. 'For those who do not have a set practice, you can connect to your breath, noticing the inhale and exhale as a kind of meditation. Take deep inhales where the chest rises and the lungs fully expand, maintain slow, long exhales where you fully release the breath.' Post Full Moon: 5 In the wake of the full moon, Castañeda recommends bathing in a moving body of water like a river or the ocean. Maelgoa – In the wake of the full moon, Castañeda reaches for gentle, easy-to-digest foods like kitchari & congee. 'Simple meals that move through the body with ease, bringing both the body and mind to the present moment after quiet and self-awareness of meditation.' She also recommends bathing in a moving body of water like a river or the ocean. 'This supports the removal of any electric static and grounds the body with negative ions.' With wet hair and a full belly, put pen to paper. 'Journaling acts as a reflection after contemplation. It is a place where you can express and explore any insights revealed during your time with the Full Moon.' While many recommend manifesting during a Full Moon cycle, Castañeda believes the magnification of the moon is best directed at internal work. 'These practices are meant to illuminate your own power. With this coming full moon, the time is ripe for testing these out.' Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.


New York Post
6 hours ago
- New York Post
Doctor in rural Georgia reveals most unusual, exotic cases
When Dr. Jim Hotz attended medical school at The Ohio State University, an infectious disease specialist showed his class a slide of the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. 'And he said, 'You'll probably not see another case of tuberculosis in your career,' ' Hotz, 75, recalled to The Post. 'I come down to Georgia, and it was everywhere,' he said. 'Last year alone, we treated 21 people with tuberculosis.' Advertisement 5 Dr. Jim Hotz is featured in the new short documentary 'Doc Albany.' Courtesy of Publicis Sapient. Hotz founded Albany Area Primary Health Care while serving southwest Georgia for 47 years. His work is highlighted in Oscar winner Ben Proudfoot's short documentary 'Doc Albany,' which premiered Sunday at the Tribeca Film Festival. 'Dr. Hotz has spent his whole career making sure people in rural communities get the care they need,' 'Doc Albany' executive producer Teresa Barreira said. 'He knows how to work the system and fight for his patients.' Advertisement Hotz is no stranger to the limelight. He inspired the 1991 Michael J. Fox movie 'Doc Hollywood,' about a crackerjack young doctor who ends up in a small Southern town despite his big-city dreams. Hotz initially thought he would work in Athens, home to the University of Georgia, but instead found himself in rural Leesburg, Georgia. He was accompanied by his brother-in-law, who had been his med school roommate. The pair figured they could do anything for a few years before moving on to something bigger. 'What we didn't understand was the incredible challenge of going to a community that [hadn't had] doctors in 30, 40 years,' Hotz said. 'So in a whole county, we were the only doctors.' Advertisement 5 In 47 years working in southwest Georgia, Hotz has treated diseases, farm injuries, pesticide poisonings and snake bites. Breakwater Studios The first woman who came to see him had Stage 4 cervical cancer — 'bleeding as big as your fist.' 'When you don't have a health provider there, you run into some pretty advanced diseases,' he said. Advertisement Besides diseases, he's also treated farm injuries, poisoning from pesticides sprayed in pecan orchards and snake bites. 'Had a couple of guys that were out hunting hogs. There are wild hogs. They use dogs to hunt them. They run after them,' Hotz remembered. 'And these guys were running barefoot through a swamp,' he continued. 'One guy said, 'I think I got stung by a bee.' And I said, 'That's interesting. The bee must have had fangs because it looks more like you got bitten by a water moccasin.'' In one unusual case, Hotz treated a farm laborer who developed cryptococcal meningitis, a serious fungal infection, from exposure to pigeon droppings while working in a hay loft. 5 Hotz has treated lots of hunters who fell out of deer stands (pictured here). ysbrandcosijn – 'So there's kind of those quirky things you get a lot of exposure to,' he said. 'I can't tell you the number of people we've taken care of who fell out of deer stands.' Hunters tend to fall asleep on these elevated platforms while waiting for deer to come within range, Hotz said. But the most common problems he fields are high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. Advertisement When he started, 3% of his patients were diabetic and 10% were obese. 'Now we're sitting at 70% obese,' Hotz said. 'We manage 8,010 diabetics, 14,000 people with obesity, 16,000 people with hypertension.' 5 Cast, producers and directors of 'Doc Albany' attend the red carpet ahead of the film's world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 8, 2025. TONI-ANN LANGELLA PHOTOGRAPHY His medical group also treats nearly 1,400 HIV patients. He saw his first AIDS patient in 1983, when there was no local infrastructure to address the disease, so he developed a groundbreaking regional rural HIV program. Advertisement Technology has since significantly transformed the healthcare landscape. For example, Publicis Sapient developed a digital system for placing healthcare professionals in underserved areas. The tool is featured in 'Doc Albany.' 'If we can help more people like Dr. Hotz do their work, we can start closing the gaps in healthcare access across the country,' said Barreira, Publicis Sapient's chief marketing and communications officer. 5 This graphic shows tuberculosis in the lungs. The ancient disease has been making a comeback. Dr_Microbe – Advertisement Limited resources have contributed to the recent spread of tuberculosis, a disease that can be traced back to ancient Egypt. Researchers blame the COVID-19 pandemic for delaying diagnoses and antibiotic treatments, as well as increases in post-pandemic travel and migration from areas with high TB prevalence. Over 10,300 cases of the contagious bacterial lung infection were reported in the US last year, up from about 9,600 in 2023. Kansas saw the biggest jump because of an outbreak in the Kansas City area. Advertisement In NYC, 839 TB cases were logged, a rise from 684 in 2023. 'What we came to realize is that, if it hits New York City, there ain't any reason it can't hit south Georgia,' Hotz said.