‘SkinnyTok': 3 Ways This Controversial Trend Harms Your Mental Health
The 'SkinnyTok' trend is rapidly gaining traction across social media platforms. The trend has 25.7k posts on TikTok, but it's drawing attention for all the wrong reasons. 'SkinnyTok' users are sharing extreme weight loss methods and restrictive eating behaviors disguised as harmless health tips or weight loss hacks. The platform recently banned a major influencer behind the trend, reigniting discussions about the dangers of online beauty standards.
It's common knowledge that unhealthy eating habits impede our mental and physical well-being. Experts warn about the weight-loss methods and restrictive eating habits that are damaging mental health and well-being.
Dr. Asim Cheema, an internal medicine specialist at Your Doctors Online, sounds the alarm that 'SkinnyTok' raises five serious medical concerns.
1. Teaching followers that feeling hungry is a sign your body is burning fat rather than a natural biological signal
2. Encouraging viewers to see food purely as fuel, stripping away pleasure and social aspects of eating
3. Suggesting dangerous practices like eating only once daily or surviving on minimal amounts of food (often just fruit)
4. Using excessive water, coffee, or other fluids to suppress natural hunger cues
5. Framing these restrictive behaviors as wellness practices rather than what they often are--disordered eating patterns
I spoke with mental health expert Stephen Buchwald, speaking on behalf of Manhattan Mental Health, who told me one of the most dangerous aspects of 'SkinnyTok" is the illusion it creates that achieving a certain body type is purely a matter of willpower. "This mindset dismisses the complex realities of genetics, mental health and socioeconomic factors, promoting shame over support. It's a toxic narrative disguised as empowerment,' he explains.
According to Maria AbiHanna, a nutrition expert at Food Label Maker, crash diets are a popular go-to before summer, promising quick results just in time for the season. 'But research shows they often work against your body, triggering responses that make weight loss harder, not easier,' she points out. 'People blame willpower when they can't stick with a diet. The truth is that your body is built to resist rapid fat loss. So, the key is working with your biology, not against it.'
Despite widespread criticism, experts argue that 'SkinnyTok' cultivates a growing subculture that glorifies extreme thinness and restrictive eating habits. 'Adolescents are neurologically wired to seek approval and belonging, which makes them especially vulnerable to trends like 'SkinnyTok,'' Buchwald notes."When their social validation is tied to appearance and thinness, it creates a harmful psychological feedback loop that can shape their self-worth well into adulthood.'
'While some users praise its weight-loss content, many experts warn of its damaging effects, particularly on young people's self-esteem and body image,' he says. 'Recently, a major influencer behind the trend was banned from TikTok, sparking discussions about the long-term impact of social media on mental well-being.'
Buchwald, warns that the rise of 'SkinnyTok' highlights how deep-rooted body image issues remain and that repeated exposure to this type of content can contribute to some of the following mental health problems:
1. Increased Anxiety and Depression. Constant comparison to unattainable beauty standards can lead to anxiety and feelings of inadequacy. 'Seeing curated, unrealistic images of thinness on a daily basis can make people feel like they're never 'good enough.' This creates a cycle of self-criticism and low self-worth, which can escalate into anxiety and depression.'
2. Disordered Eating Behaviors. Exposure to extreme dieting advice can encourage restrictive eating habits. "Research shows that even just eight minutes of viewing 'thinspiration' content can negatively impact body image. These trends don't just normalize unhealthy behaviors—they make them seem desirable. For many, this is a gateway to disordered eating, which can have severe physical and psychological consequences.'
3. Body Dysmorphia and Negative Self-Perception. The constant flood of idealized body images can distort how individuals see themselves. 'The more time people spend engaging with these trends, the more they internalize these unrealistic standards. This can lead to body dysmorphic disorder, where individuals fixate on perceived 'flaws' that aren't even noticeable to others.'
While social media isn't going away, Buchwald shares ways to take online precaution and safeguard your mental health:
1. Curate Your Feed Mindfully. "Muting or un-following harmful accounts can make a big difference. Be intentional about the content you consume. Follow creators who promote balanced, healthy perspectives on body image and self-care.'
2. Be Critical of Online Narratives. 'Not everything on TikTok is fact-based or healthy. Always question the motivations behind viral trends. If something encourages extreme behaviors, it's worth asking: who benefits from this narrative, and how does it make me feel?'
3. Seek Professional Support. "If social media is negatively affecting your mental well-being, reaching out to a therapist can help. You don't have to navigate body image struggles alone. Therapy provides a safe space to unpack these pressures and develop healthier self-perceptions.'
Buchwald asserts that, while platforms like TikTok have taken steps to regulate harmful content, individuals must remain aware of how these trends affect their well-being. As he puts it, 'Your self-worth isn't defined by a trend. Prioritizing mental health over social media validation is the most powerful decision you can make.'
He cautions that social media platforms have a responsibility to recognize that their algorithms are not neutral. 'They amplify content that maximizes engagement, regardless of its psychological harm,' he cautions. "Until these systems are held accountable, the burden unfairly falls on users to navigate a minefield of damaging content.'
If you want to heal from body image issues, it begins with redefining what makes you valuable. Buchwald insists that when people shift the focus from aesthetics to holistic self-worth, they start to develop resilience against harmful trends like 'SkinnyTok.' If you or someone you know is struggling with body image concerns, professional support can be a valuable step toward healing. Get help by contacting the National Eating Disorders Association.
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