Sometimes information shared on social media can do more harm than good, or even be detrimental to your health. This is the case with a new distressing trend known as “SkinnyTok” being seen by millions across social media. The influencers who post this information are targeting any person and any age group to become “disciplined” in their weight loss, even if it means taking extremely adverse actions. And an expert from New York is setting the record straight.
Experts have been warning users that following dangerous advice from these social media cretins isn’t a path to happiness. The exact opposite is true. This comes after several videos have made statements such as “If your stomach is growling, pretend it’s applauding you” and “You don’t need a treat. You’re not a dog.”
TikTok attempted to handle the situation by giving the following message when you search “SkinnyTok” on the app: “You are more than your weight.” The message was accompanied by eating disorder-related resources. However, you can still view the videos that are impacting many individuals both young and old.
Stephen Buchwald, an expert and managing director at Manhattan Mental Health, told Forbes, “This mindset dismisses the complex realities of genetics, mental health, and socioeconomic factors, promoting shame over support.” The end goal for this trend is to write off literal starvation as “healthy weight loss” that’ll improve your life.
The unfortunate reality is that TikTok didn’t ban SkinnyTok content—it limited its accessibility. It’s still seen by users over 18 years of age. Additionally, related content to the trend has been removed from the “For You” page. It still has a chance to hurt people, so these measures feel inadequate.
Buchwald says that teens are especially at risk, being “neurologically wired to seek approval and belonging.” He has also stated, “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.”
The mindframe SkinnyTok perpetuates is that skinny equals healthy in all cases. Instead, it promotes extreme dieting trends that only push you into the territory of eating disorders. Even worse, it alters your mind, making you feel what you’re doing is never enough. It should go without saying, but you shouldn’t be getting diet advice from weirdos on social media. Please speak to your doctor!
