9 hours ago
New TikTok diet trend sparks backlash as experts warn it's fueling a dangerous new wave of harmful eating habits
TikTok
is now full of harmful diet culture under the hashtag "
SkinnyTok
," which promotes extreme weight loss, low-calorie diets, and unhealthy body standards. Experts say this isn't just a passing trend; it's causing real mental and physical
health
problems, especially for teens and young women.
What is 'SkinnyTok' and why is it so harmful?
A new wave of harmful eating habits is being fueled by the harmful TikTok trend. SkinnyTok seems to be reviving traditional diet culture in the digital era.
The term "SkinnyTok" describes a section of the internet where users freely share their weight loss experiences, share "body checks" (videos in which users weigh and measure themselves), and post "what I eat in a day" videos with startlingly low calorie counts.
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A community where extreme calorie deficits are glamourized, thinness is idolized, and the pursuit of a shrinking body is celebrated, often at the expense of mental and physical health, lies behind the trendy filters and catchy sounds, as per a report by The NY Post.
Can social media really cause eating disorders?
Jenny Haythorne, a podcaster, speaker, and confidence coach, has personal experience with the harm that online diet culture can cause. She feels that she would never have experienced the severity of her eating disorder, depression, and anxiety if it weren't for social media.
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How do body ideals keep shifting?
Since online trends are cyclical, body ideals have changed over time, going from being extremely thin to toned and athletic to having the "Kim Kardashian" hourglass and back to being simply "plain thin."
Since the ideal body has consistently been a smaller one, something she fervently hopes we can alter in the future, she is skeptical of its practical implications.
Why is SkinnyTok content so hard to spot as harmful?
SkinnyTok content can harm its audience by promoting unhealthy associations with food and bodies. The harm is not always evident, though, as meal inspiration videos and seemingly harmless "before and after" pictures perpetuate the notion that eating less is preferable and that following someone else's diet will result in the same body.
What's the real damage caused by eating disorders?
SkinnyTok can cause and worsen disordered eating behaviors and eating disorders, according to psychologist Carly Dober. These patterns affect how people view and assess bodies, which can have an effect on their relationships, employment, and educational opportunities, as per a report by The NY Post.
Eating disorders can have serious physical repercussions besides psychological ones, as they can damage the heart, digestive tract, bones, teeth, and mouth.
Who is most at risk from these trends?
Adolescents, women going through significant life transitions, women with diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome, athletes, people with a family history of eating disorders, and anyone looking for weight loss assistance or who has previously engaged in dieting or disordered eating are among the groups most at risk.
How can users protect their mental health online?
GP Dr. Zac advises people to be cautious when looking for
health advice online
, particularly from untrained creators. He advises avoiding extremes, seeking out evidence-based sources, focusing on sustainable health, avoiding quick fixes, and striving for aesthetic perfection.
Organize your feed:
mute or block content and authors who encourage unhealthy habits; Employ platform tools: If at all possible, eliminate triggering keywords;
Set screen time limits
: Cut down on pointless scrolling to steer clear of algorithmic rabbit holes and follow reputable accounts;
Embrace positivity and awareness
: Encourage self-compassion, mental wellness, and body neutrality;
Look for assistance:
If you're having trouble, get in touch with a psychologist or other qualified expert.
Is TikTok doing anything to stop this harmful trend?
TikTok has made an effort to restrict this content. Some influencers have been banned, including Liv Schmidt, who amassed over 670,000 followers with her "blonde and skinny" persona. However, it appears that the algorithm continues to present the very content that it says it shields users from.
FAQs
Why is 'SkinnyTok' considered dangerous?
It encourages extreme diets, glorifies weight loss at all costs, and exacerbates body image issues among vulnerable users.
How do I avoid triggering diet content?
Curate your feed, limit your screen time, and follow creators who value balance, body neutrality, and mental health.
