Viral ‘chubby filter' pulled from TikTok amid fears of eating disorder risks

Express Tribune

24-03-2025

TikTok logo is seen in this illustration taken, June 2, 2023. PHOTO: REUTERS
Listen to article
TikTok has removed a viral AI-powered 'chubby filter' from its platform following widespread backlash from users and health experts, who warned that the feature encouraged body shaming and could trigger eating disorders.
The filter, which digitally altered users' photos to make them appear overweight, was developed by CapCut, a video editing app owned by ByteDance — the same parent company as TikTok.
While technically separate, the filter was widely shared across TikTok, sparking outrage from users, influencers, and scientists.
Initially shared in jest, many users posted before-and-after videos using the filter, with captions such as 'This is my motivation to go to the gym.' But others quickly pointed out the damaging implications.
'This filter is a huge step backward,' said Dr Emma Beckett, a food and nutrition scientist, in an interview with the BBC. 'It fuels toxic diet culture and reinforces harmful stereotypes about people in larger bodies.'
Videos using the filter, which appeared on TikTok's 'For You' page, were often followed by others showing extreme transformations.
Critics said this normalised body shaming and could exacerbate negative body image, especially among younger users.
Prominent TikTok creator Sadie, who has over 60,000 followers, was among those calling for its removal. 'Social media should be fun, not a space for bullying,' she said. 'Many women messaged me saying the trend made them delete TikTok altogether.'
TikTok confirmed that videos using the filter would not be recommended, would be blocked for teen accounts, and could be removed if found to violate community guidelines. A spokesperson said the company was reviewing content and reaffirmed that safety and inclusivity remain core principles.
The Habitat, a UK-based advocacy group focused on digital safety, praised the decision but said platforms must be more proactive. 'By the time a harmful filter goes viral, the damage is often already done,' said a spokesperson.
This isn't the first time TikTok has faced criticism for content promoting harmful beauty standards. In 2021, the app faced scrutiny over similar filters that slimmed users' faces or reshaped their features.
The controversy comes amid broader conversations about the ethical use of AI in media, particularly as image-altering tools become more powerful and pervasive.
CapCut has not publicly commented on the filter's removal.