‘SkinnyTok’ could promote starvation and disordered eating, experts warn

Social media platforms like TikTok can be a treasure trove of fitness, nutrition, and wellness tips. However, there is also harmful content that circulates, such as the trending hashtag #SkinnyTok. This weight-loss trend is gaining popularity, with creators sharing various methods to shed pounds quickly, often with the goal of achieving extreme thinness in a short period.

One influencer, Mandana Zarghami, has joined the conversation around SkinnyTok, emphasizing the importance of healthy lifestyle choices. While some content under the SkinnyTok trend can promote motivation around health and wellness, it can also unintentionally glamorize unhealthy habits or unrealistic body standards. Zarghami acknowledges that the content can be triggering for those who have battled disordered eating in the past.

Dr. Brett Osborn, a neurosurgeon and longevity expert, warns of the devastating consequences of extreme thinness, including malnutrition-related health issues. He emphasizes the importance of building muscle, which he describes as the cornerstone of vitality. Instead of focusing on extreme thinness, Osborn encourages individuals to prioritize building muscle for overall health and well-being.

Dr. Jillian Lampert, a vice president at an eating disorder treatment center, also highlights the potential risks of the SkinnyTok trend. She cautions that the content can encourage drastic measures to change one’s body, further exacerbating body image issues and reinforcing the notion that extreme thinness is the norm.

Dr. Anastasia Rairigh, a family physician and obesity medicine specialist, warns that extreme weight-loss behaviors can have deadly consequences, including heart arrhythmias and cardiac arrest. She stresses the importance of modeling a healthy attitude toward food and encouraging positive activities outside of social media to combat the negative influence of toxic diet culture.

Those who are showing signs of disordered eating are urged to seek help from a healthcare provider. It is essential to approach trends like SkinnyTok with balance, focusing on overall well-being rather than appearance, and making sustainable, nourishing choices that support both physical and mental health.

In conclusion, while social media can be a valuable source of health and wellness information, it is crucial to be mindful of the content consumed and prioritize healthy, sustainable choices. By promoting a positive and balanced approach to fitness and nutrition, individuals can support their overall well-being and avoid falling into harmful trends like #SkinnyTok.