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Important Note: The following article contains discussions about eating disorders. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please seek help. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) provides a free and confidential screening tool, support, resources, and treatment options.
Phaith Montoya, a social media influencer promoting anti-diet culture and currently in recovery from an eating disorder, states that she generally avoids body-shaming content online. She recently shared with TODAY.com that she had stopped engaging in online arguments on TikTok – until last month. A surge of inquiries from her 3 million followers regarding #SkinnyTok prompted her to investigate the trend.
The content associated with the hashtag reminded her of the “pro-anorexia Tumblr” and “eating disorder Twitter” trends prevalent in the 2010s. Consequently, she decided to voice her concerns in a TikTok video, which has since garnered over a million views.
Montoya, 27, recalls being placed on a diet around the age of 9. Despite eating less than her brother, she weighed more, which raised concerns with her doctor. She explains that without referrals to counselors or nutritionists, her parents navigated the situation as best they could.
For years, Montoya struggled through cycles of restrictive diets and the emotional repercussions. She later received a diagnosis of hypothyroid disease, a condition that, according to the Mayo Clinic, can contribute to weight gain, among other symptoms. During her college years, she began consulting with mental health professionals and nutrition experts who equipped her with evidence-based strategies and support. She also recognized that she had been battling binge-eating disorder.
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Years into her recovery journey, Montoya expressed her shock and dismay upon encountering SkinnyTok content.
“Witnessing that type of advice now, I recognized that my younger self would have perceived it as necessary,” she reflects. “I felt compelled to advocate for my past self.”
In her video response, Montoya disclosed that her mental well-being was at its nadir during the peak of her eating disorder and that “her life transformed completely when she ceased self-hatred.” She articulated her desire to challenge the prevalent message on SkinnyTok – the notion that thinness equates to happiness.
Understanding SkinnyTok
“SkinnyTok” has achieved significant popularity, evidenced by thousands of posts and millions of views across diverse platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and a widely-followed Reddit forum. A Google search indicates approximately 38,000 TikTok posts using the hashtag.
On TikTok, searching for “SkinnyTok” initially presents a banner stating, “You are more than your weight.” Clicking this banner provides connections to resources for disordered eating support, including the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA). A TikTok spokesperson stated that these health resources were developed in partnership with experts from organizations like Cleveland Clinic, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the World Health Organization.
However, beneath this advisory banner, a multitude of videos promote weight-loss guidance, body assessments, and before-and-after transformations, often accompanied by language emphasizing “discipline,” “tough love,” and “hard truths.”
Content creators within the SkinnyTok community, primarily appearing to be young women in their teens and twenties, frequently share their preferred “SkinnyTok” sayings. Some typical examples include:
“If your stomach rumbles, assume it’s applause.”
“To be petite, consume petite portions. To be large, consume large portions.”
“You don’t require a treat. You are not a canine.”
Individuals immersed in SkinnyTok might regularly encounter videos recommending calorie intakes that are extremely low – amounts that a registered dietitian, like myself, would rarely suggest, even for a petite woman or a teenager still developing. Research indicates that drastic weight reduction and fad diets are generally ineffective long-term, typically leading to weight regain. Furthermore, alterations in metabolism and hormone levels can leave individuals in a more challenging situation than before.
During my exploration of the hashtag, I found minimal content addressing essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, or vitamin D. Another notable absence was the concept of joy, whether derived from physical activity, nutritious and enjoyable meals, or achieving non-scale related accomplishments.
TikTok’s community guidelines state that the platform “does not permit displaying or promoting disordered eating and perilous weight loss behaviors.” However, it does allow content that “shows or promotes potentially harmful weight management” but restricts it to users 18 and older, preventing its appearance on the For You Feed.
According to a spokesperson, TikTok’s algorithm also restricts repetitive content patterns, which can limit the frequency of viewing videos concerning weight loss, extreme exercise, and similar subjects.
Analyzing the Potential Harm of SkinnyTok Advice
Much of the guidance on SkinnyTok simplifies weight loss to merely eating less and exercising more, disregarding the intricate scientific aspects of weight management and the complex relationship between health and body weight. (TikTok states that it collaborates with independent fact-checkers and public health authorities to verify content accuracy and may apply warning labels to unverified content.)
However, experts I consulted primarily expressed concern about videos that foster shame regarding certain habits, which, research suggests, can have enduring and detrimental consequences.
Paula Edwards-Gayfield, a licensed professional counselor and NEDA board member, commented to TODAY.com after reviewing SkinnyTok content, “I perceive messages like, ‘You are inadequate. You are not trying sufficiently.’ Fundamentally, beneath eating disorders lies a core belief of personal inadequacy, regardless of outward behaviors.”
Research indicates that feelings of shame can impede weight loss and the adoption of healthier habits, whereas self-compassion enhances their likelihood. This is why I frequently advise my clients that their bodies merit respect in the present moment, as shame-based coaching originates from prejudice, not scientific evidence.
Andrea Mathis, a dietitian and creator of the Beautiful Eats and Things blog, recently addressed the “dangerous ascent” of SkinnyTok, acknowledging the appeal for individuals seeking content that promises an ideal body type.
“Intentional weight loss is sometimes a suitable recommendation, and some individuals report that (SkinnyTok) has heightened their awareness of their food intake,” Mathis told TODAY.com.
While acknowledging this superficial positivity, she voices concern over the excessive focus on restriction. “It might start innocently, but increased engagement with this mindset can escalate into obsession,” she clarifies.
NEDA reports that exposure to weight stigma, especially the “thinner is superior” message, can contribute to disordered eating behaviors or clinically diagnosed eating disorders. Individuals with pre-existing depression and anxiety face an elevated risk of eating disorders, and research establishes links between social media usage and these conditions.
Approximately 9% of the U.S. population experiences eating disorders, often becoming trapped in a protracted recovery process and enduring physical harm, including cardiac issues, gastrointestinal problems, cognitive decline, and organ failure.
For many, this struggle becomes fatal. Eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa, are among the most lethal mental health conditions, comparable to substance use disorders. People of color face disproportionate risks due to reduced access to care, according to NEDA.
For those considering weight loss, consulting a dietitian or another healthcare professional is advisable. The most effective approach varies based on age, medical history, and other factors, nuances not attainable from online influencers.
“Despite potentially good intentions from some creators, they sometimes provide nutritional advice outside their expertise, which is inappropriate,” Mathis emphasizes.
Liam Fisher-Layton, a fitness content creator, actively challenges shame-driven weight loss strategies on social media, particularly targeting men and boys, who are also susceptible to eating disorders. He prioritizes promoting advantages of protein, fiber, and other vital nutrients, alongside enjoyable physical activity, over restrictive diets and punishing workout regimens.
“I frequently observe (men and boys) expressing a need for ‘toxic motivation,’ which I find concerning,” he conveyed to TODAY.com. “While it may benefit a small fraction of individuals without inducing an eating disorder, the potential harm to a larger group raises the question: Is the benefit justified by the cost? In my view, definitively not.”
Re-emergence of Body Shaming?
Mathis described her reaction to the SkinnyTok trend as “heartbreaking,” feeling as though “we were regressing.”
However, Martha Laham, author of “Made Up” and an expert on body image and marketing, argues that body shaming never truly disappeared.
“SkinnyTok is simply another iteration of a recurring pattern,” she explained to TODAY.com.
Referencing the 1920s flapper diets, the 1960s obsession with supermodel Twiggy, and 1990s “heroin chic,” Laham observes, “While the media formats and modes of pursuit may evolve, the thin ideal has consistently prevailed throughout Western beauty standards historically.”
Edwards-Gayfield concurs, defining SkinnyTok as an extension of the deeply ingrained, restrictive “diet mentality.”
“It profoundly embodies the experiences recounted by my patients,” she elaborates. “Its omnipresence renders it difficult to identify as dieting. Normalization occurs readily because the problematic nature of the behavior isn’t readily perceived.”
Laham’s book highlights decades of research establishing clear correlations between exposure to “appearance-focused media” and disordered eating and body image issues, particularly among young women. She hopes for broader public awareness of these influences.
Recognizing When to Seek Support
Edwards-Gayfield recommends being mindful of warning signs if concerned about oneself or a loved one’s potential risk of developing an eating disorder due to social media.
For instance, are thoughts increasingly preoccupied with diet and exercise routines? Is social withdrawal from meals with friends and family occurring to maintain strict regimens?
“This marks the transition into disordered territory,” signaling the appropriate time to seek professional assistance, she stresses. This holds particularly true when individuals resort to other unhealthy, “emotionally-driven” actions, such as exercising despite injury or substance misuse, she adds.
Ultimately, while social media may offer fitness tips that align with personal goals, especially when prioritizing self-care, experts universally agree that self-loathing is not a pathway to health.
For example, I frequently suggest unsweetened sparkling water as a substitute for soda to decrease added sugar intake and cultivate a preference for less sugary flavors. However, I would never propose it as a meal replacement.
Consider curating your social media feed. TikTok offers the option to “filter out videos with specific words or hashtags that you wish to exclude from your For You or Following feeds,” as noted on their website. This can be managed within content preferences by adding unwanted keywords.
Cultivating a feed that features creators and groups that nurture mental, physical, and emotional well-being can foster a more positive online experience. Here are some recommendations from experts and myself:
- Chrissy King, author of “The Body Liberation Project”
- The Nutrition Tea, Shana Minei Spence, dietitian and author of “Live Nourished”
- Phaith Montoya, eating disorder advocate and NAMI ambassador
- Beautiful Eats and Things with Andrea Mathis, dietitian
- The Plant Slant, Liam Fisher-Layton, for perspectives on everyday nutrition and fitness trends
- Diets Don’t Work with anorexia survivor and advocate Debbie Lesko
- Keep it Up, Cutie, with comedian and body-positive advocate Anna Przy
- Joshua McFadden, author of “Six Seasons: A New Way With Vegetables”
- Your Latina Nutritionist, Dalina Soto, dietitian and author of “The Latina Anti-Diet”
- Project Heal, a nonprofit organization for accessible eating disorder recovery
- Ilona Maher, Olympic rugby champion
Montoya’s experience underscores that recovering from an eating disorder can be a lengthy process.
She currently maintains a healthier and happier relationship with food and her body, “but it required considerable support and resources to reach this point,” she adds. She hopes that speaking out against SkinnyTok can prevent others from undergoing similar struggles.