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Forbes
14-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
‘SkinnyTok': 3 Ways This Controversial Trend Harms Your Mental Health
A new restrictive eating trend known as "SkinnyTok" is gaining momentum and creating alarm among ... More mental health experts. 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.
Forbes
07-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
6 Natural Appetite Suppressants Versus A Popular ‘Skinny Tok' Trend
Discover the six delicious and nutritious foods that also curb your appetite. The 'Skinny Tok' trend is rapidly gaining traction across social media platforms. The trend has 25.7k posts on TikTok, dedicated to users sharing extreme weight loss methods and restrictive eating behaviors disguised as harmless health tips or weight loss hacks. This is in direct contrast to other healthier consumers seeking out nutrient-dense options that promote overall well-being instead of restricting certain ingredients, spotlighting a growing awareness that food is a tool for long-term health, ranging from fiber-rich plants to protein-packed meals. And the added plus is that many of these foods are also natural appetite suppressants. It's common knowledge that unhealthy eating habits impedes our mental and physical well-being. Dr. Asim Cheema, an internal medicine specialist at Your Doctors Online, explains that 'SkinnyTok' is primarily on TikTok, where users share extreme weight loss methods and restrictive eating patterns, disguised as harmless health tips or weight loss hacks. Dr. Cheema offers five disordered eating recommendations from 'SkinnyTok' that have raised 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 According to Dr. Cheema, while some forms of intermittent fasting have shown benefits in controlled research settings, the medical concerns from extreme fasting trends promoted on SkinnyTok include the following dangers: In direct contrast to the dangerous 'Skinny Tok' approach, new data from Instacart Health shows that other consumers are taking a health-conscious approach, choosing foods that prioritize nutrition, actively nourishing and support their bodies. Food cravings have become a daily battle for many as processed foods and constant snacking shape our modern eating habits. These cravings don't just influence what we eat, they also impact overall health, energy levels and weight management. One of the most overlooked factors in controlling hunger isn't willpower—it's the glycemic index (GI), which shows how quickly foods impact blood sugar and cravings. Asim Al-Hanafi, at Gains Nutrition, explained to me by email why the glycemic index is the key to natural appetite control. "Most people focus on calories, but research shows that the way foods impact blood sugar can be just as important in managing hunger," Al-Hanafi says. 'Low-GI foods (with a glycemic index of 55 or less) are digested and absorbed more slowly, leading to gradual blood sugar changes instead of sharp spikes and crashes. This helps regulate appetite, keeping you full longer and reducing cravings naturally.' According to Al-Hanafi, you can take control of your appetite when you incorporate low-glycemic index foods into your diet. They stabilize energy levels and help you break free from the cycle of sugar cravings without relying on extreme diets or supplements. Al-Hanafi identifies six natural appetite suppressants that reduce your workday cravings. 1. Avocados. With a glycemic index of just five, avocados digest incredibly slowly, providing steady energy without triggering the blood sugar spikes that often lead to cravings. Their combination of fiber and healthy fats keeps appetite hormones in check, making them one of the most effective foods for natural appetite control. 2. Asparagus. With a glycemic index of 15, asparagus is an excellent choice for appetite control. Its high fiber content slows digestion while adding volume to meals, helping you feel full without excessive calories. Asparagus also supports gut health, which plays a crucial role in hunger regulation. 3. Almonds. With a glycemic index of 15, almonds offer a powerful blend of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Unlike high-carb snacks that cause sugar spikes and crashes, almonds digest slowly, providing steady energy and preventing sudden cravings. Their nutrient profile also helps regulate appetite hormones like ghrelin and leptin, which control hunger and satiety. 4. Black Olives. With a glycemic index of 15, black olives provide a unique mix of monounsaturated fats and polyphenols that support appetite regulation. These healthy fats slow digestion, keeping you full longer. The polyphenols in olives have also been linked to reduced inflammation, which prevents erratic hunger signals. 5. Chili. With a glycemic index of 15, chili peppers contain capsaicin. Capsaicin has been shown to mildly boost metabolism while suppressing appetite, making it a powerful tool for natural weight management. Consuming spicy foods can lead to a lower calorie intake throughout the day without conscious effort. 6. Ginger. With a glycemic index of 15, ginger is well-known for its digestion-enhancing and appetite-regulating properties. It helps control hunger by increasing thermogenesis (calorie burning) and improving insulin sensitivity, preventing post-meal crashes that trigger cravings. 'By incorporating more low-GI foods into your diet, you can take control of your appetite, stabilize energy levels and break free from the cycle of sugar cravings—without relying on extreme diets or supplements.' concludes Al-Hanafi. So, what will it be? The TikTok fad of unhealthy, potentially dangerous approach to suppressing your appetite or the wellness use of science-backed, natural appetite suppressants? The choice boils down to radical self-care, but it's still yours.
