The Viral SkinnyTok Trend That Glorifies Eating Disorders, Beware!
Light House Denver – The SkinnyTok trend has gone viral on TikTok, promoting extreme weight loss and harmful behaviors disguised as “discipline” and “happiness.” Behind its seemingly “inspirational” messages lies a dangerous glorification of disordered eating. Examples of such content include phrases like, “If your stomach growls, think of it as clapping for you,” or “You don’t need a reward, you’re not a dog.” While they may sound motivational on the surface, these messages mask a deeply toxic mindset.
According to Dr. Asim Cheema, an internal medicine specialist, SkinnyTok normalizes starvation and reduces food to a soulless utility. He describes it as a rebranded version of the early 2000s pro-ana (pro-anorexia) communities, now adapted to be more relatable for Gen Z.
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Stephen Buchwald of Manhattan Mental Health echoes this concern: “This mindset oversimplifies the complex interplay of genetics, mental health, and socio-economic factors. It’s not empowerment, it’s poison.”
Exposure to such content can lead to anxiety and depression. Buchwald emphasizes that teenagers are particularly vulnerable. Their brains are wired to seek approval and belonging, making them more susceptible to trends like SkinnyTok. Constantly seeing curated, unrealistic body images can create the harmful belief that they are never “good enough.”
TikTok’s guidelines state that the platform does not allow content promoting eating disorders or dangerous weight loss behaviors. While some content is restricted to users over 18 and removed from the For You Page (FYP), harmful messages can still slip through the cracks. Many argue that current moderation measures are insufficient to stop the spread of extreme diet culture.
K-pop idol Joy from Red Velvet has also opened up about the pressure to maintain a thin body. On the April 11, 2025 episode of I Live Alone, Joy shared her strict daily routine, which includes a specialized diet, supplements, exercise, and regular meditation.
She admitted that in the past, she was extremely hard on herself. “I was sadistic when it came to dieting. I felt like people were forcing me, not taking care of me. It took a toll on my body,” she revealed. Her turning point came when she shifted her mindset, focusing on self-care rather than meeting others’ expectations. “Once I started doing it for myself, both my physical and mental health improved.”
SkinnyTok serves as a stark reminder that the glorification of thinness persists, even when disguised as self-improvement. It’s crucial to build awareness and consciously filter the content we consume. The ideal body isn’t the one that’s punished into shape, but the one that’s nurtured with care and respect.
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