The Risks of ‘SkinnyTok’: Experts Warn Against Harmful Weight-Loss Trends on Social Media

The Risks of ‘SkinnyTok’

Social media platforms serve as a vast ocean of information, offering numerous tips for fitness, nutrition, and wellness. However, lurking within this digital landscape are trends that may have damaging effects on individuals.

One such trend is known as ‘SkinnyTok’, which has gained substantial traction on TikTok. This phenomenon features creators sharing a multitude of weight-loss strategies, with many highlighting a desire to achieve extreme thinness within a short timeframe.

As of late April, the #SkinnyTok hashtag had garnered over 60,000 videos, with influencers like Mandana Zarghami, a 25-year-old entrepreneur from Miami, making significant contributions to the trend.

In a recent TikTok video, Zarghami stated, “What you eat in private will show in public.” This phrase encapsulates the primary idea behind many posts associated with SkinnyTok.

She elaborated further in an interview, explaining that creators often emphasize portion control, the importance of daily movement, and the selection of nutritious foods. Nonetheless, Zarghami acknowledged that some of this content might trigger individuals who have experienced disordered eating.

“While certain SkinnyTok content can inspire motivation regarding health and wellness, it may inadvertently glorify unhealthy habits or set unrealistic body standards. This often happens when individuals follow the wrong influencers,” Zarghami cautioned.

Amidst the discussions surrounding this trend, she noted that users ultimately have control over the content they consume.

The Health Consequences of Pursuing Extreme Thinness

Dr. Brett Osborn, a neurosurgeon and expert on longevity, has observed severe consequences stemming from extreme thinness. He has treated women suffering from fractured bones due to malnutrition.

“This is a growing crisis celebrated on social media via hashtags like #SkinnyTok. Young individuals pursuing extreme thinness through starvation diets put their health at risk, leading to fragility and malnutrition,” Dr. Osborn told news outlets.

He pointed out that in teenagers and young adults, malnutrition disrupts hormonal balance, weakens the immune system, impairs cognitive function, and risks causing irreversible damage to still-developing brains.

Physical implications of malnutrition include hair loss, decreased bone density, and in severe instances, irreversible physical damage. Dr. Osborn emphasized that low body weight does not equate to good health.

“Starvation is not commendable; it represents a neglect of the body’s nutritional needs,” he asserted. “The SkinnyTok trend preys on impressionable youth, especially young women, encouraging a culture of shrinking rather than thriving.”

The Shift Towards Building Muscle

Rather than chasing extreme thinness, Dr. Osborn advocates for a focus on building muscle. He considers muscle as vital for longevity and vitality.

“In older adults, muscle loss, known as sarcopenia, serves as a medical warning sign linked to an increased risk of falls, fractures, hospitalizations, cognitive decline, and even premature death,” he explained.

This connection underscores the relationship between physical health and mental well-being. He stated that deteriorating physical condition negatively impacts cognitive function, and when one aspect suffers, the other typically follows.

To individuals drawn to the SkinnyTok trend, Dr. Osborn recommends shifting focus towards muscle-building exercises. He urges, “Muscles are a person’s shield against disease and decline. Being lean and strong, rather than thin and frail, is the true measure of health.”

The Importance of Nourishing the Body and Mind

Dr. Jillian Lampert, vice president of The Emily Program, an eating disorder treatment center based in Minnesota, shares concerns about the SkinnyTok trend.

“This content dangerously glorifies drastic measures to alter body shape and size,” Lampert told reporters. “It further ensnares those already grappling with body image issues, reinforcing the belief that achieving extreme thinness is the standard.”

She noted that many videos often exhibit extreme behaviors that heavily restrict particular foods or groups. The algorithms driving social media platforms exacerbate the issue by amplifying these messages.

“Engaging with even mildly toxic body image content can lead algorithms to inundate users with similar material, creating an avalanche of harmful messages,” warned Lampert.

As users scroll past countless images embodying ‘ideal’ body types and lifestyles, many may face the disturbing conclusion that they are insufficiently thin or attractive.

This cycle of constant self-assessment regarding appearance and eating habits can lead to hypercritical thoughts and fixation on perceived flaws. This often spirals into patterns of eating less, which can lead to overeating, excessive exercise, fatigue, and ultimately a loss of control over food intake.

Awareness of Extreme Weight-Loss Behaviors

Dr. Anastasia Rairigh, a Tennessee family physician and obesity medicine specialist at PlushCare, also addressed the dangers of extreme weight-loss strategies.

“Severe caloric restriction disrupts electrolyte balance, posing risks for serious conditions like heart arrhythmias or even cardiac arrest,” she explained. “Even if an individual doesn’t face immediate life-threatening consequences, prolonged food deprivation can harm heart, bone, and brain health.”

Individuals practicing food deprivation may also notice changes in mood, cognition, and sleep quality. Dr. Rairigh emphasizes the need for adopting a positive attitude towards food as a means to counteract the toxic diet culture that saturates social media.

“Viewing food as a source of energy rather than a foe is crucial,” Rairigh advised, adding that promoting pursuits beyond social media is vital for counteracting negative influences.

Encouraging involvement in real-world, positive activities can provide a healthy distraction from the pressures of social media addiction.

Pathways to Recovery and Healthy Living

For anyone exhibiting signs of disordered eating, Dr. Rairigh recommends consulting medical professionals. Although disordered eating can prove fatal, recovery is attainable and help is available.