What Is SkinnyTok?
SkinnyTok is a growing social media trend, particularly on TikTok, that promotes extreme thinness, restrictive dieting, and unrealistic body ideals. Disguised as fitness motivation or health advice, many of these videos share rapid weight loss transformations, extreme fasting routines, and mantras that glorify starvation. One slogan making the rounds reads, “If your stomach is growling, pretend it’s applauding you.” Another says, “You don’t need a treat. You’re not a dog.”
Mental health professionals say this is not just another internet phase. According to Dr. Brian Zachariah, a psychiatrist with Mindpath Health, “SkinnyTok refers to a segment of TikTok that frequently emphasizes extreme thinness, diet culture, and unattainable body standards.” These videos, he warns, can have serious consequences for both mental and physical health.
A Dangerous Throwback to the “Thinspo” Era
Many experts compare SkinnyTok to the harmful “pro-ana” (pro-anorexia) communities that spread across blogs and message boards in the early 2000s. Heather Rosen, director of the eating disorders program at Psychology Partners Group, sees history repeating itself. “These platforms introduced dangerous weight loss practices while pushing an unattainable ideal,” she said. “SkinnyTok is just a modern version of thinspo with new packaging.”
Rachel Goldberg, a psychotherapist who specializes in eating disorders, recalls how damaging the old thin ideal was before body positivity took hold. “Being skinny was always in, and the goal if you weren’t was to eat less and become thin,” she said. “Now we’re seeing that pressure return, only this time it’s coming from peer-led content that is harder for kids to spot as dangerous.”
The Harm to Mental Health
Experts warn that the psychological fallout from SkinnyTok can be severe. Stephen Buchwald from Manhattan Mental Health explains that these videos often push the false idea that being thin is simply a matter of willpower. “This mindset dismisses the complex realities of genetics, mental health, and socioeconomic factors, promoting shame over support,” he said. “It’s a toxic narrative disguised as empowerment.”
The constant exposure to idealized thinness creates a damaging loop. Adolescents begin comparing themselves to influencers and peers, which can lead to anxiety, depression, body dysmorphia, and eating disorders. “Seeing curated, unrealistic images of thinness on a daily basis can make people feel like they’re never ‘good enough,’” said Buchwald. “This creates a cycle of self-criticism and low self-worth.”
Maria AbiHanna, a nutrition expert at Food Label Maker, adds that quick-fix diets like those shown in SkinnyTok videos are not only harmful but also ineffective. “People blame willpower when they can’t stick with a diet. The truth is your body is built to resist rapid fat loss,” she said. “These trends make healthy behavior look like failure.”
The Impact on Kids and Teens
Kids and teens are especially at risk. As Goldberg points out, even when society was promoting body positivity, many still felt pressure to be thin. “There was definitely a push for more body positivity,” she said, “but in therapy rooms, people still felt shame about their bodies.”
Dr. Zachariah emphasizes that teenagers are neurologically wired to seek social validation. “Exposure to such content can lead to body image issues, disordered eating, and even long-term mental health problems,” he said. TikTok has attempted to discourage the trend, but a simple search still leads users down a path of harmful content.
How Parents Can Respond
Experts recommend that parents take an active role in discussing SkinnyTok and body image with their children. Dr. Rosen suggests starting by asking questions. “Ask them to describe the content they come across. What trends are they noticing? Who are they following and why?” she said.
Dr. Zachariah advises approaching the conversation with empathy rather than judgment. “Say something like, ‘I noticed you’ve been watching a lot of health and fitness videos. How are you feeling about your body lately?’ This opens up space for honest discussion.”
Another strategy is to focus on the larger cultural forces at play. Hannah Bishop, a counselor at Equip, recommends avoiding accusations and instead framing the conversation around media literacy. “Ask, ‘Do you think a doctor would agree with this video?’ or ‘Do you think it’s realistic to eat like that every day?’” she suggests.
Goldberg also recommends that parents model positive behavior. “Look at your own relationship with food and body image,” she says. “Our children are watching and learning from us.” Sharing personal stories about body image struggles can also help kids feel less alone. “When I was younger, being skinny was really pushed hard,” Goldberg suggests saying. “How does it feel for you when watching some of this SkinnyTok content?”
Warning Signs to Watch For
Some signs that a teen may be struggling with body image include wearing baggy clothes, avoiding meals, isolating from friends, or constantly checking the mirror. Others may obsessively follow food rules, cut out favorite meals, or spend time in the bathroom after eating.
Parents should look for these red flags and offer support, not criticism. A gentle statement like, “I’ve noticed you’re not eating some of the meals you used to like,” can open the door to an honest talk without making a child feel accused.
A Call for Media Responsibility
While some steps have been taken by platforms to limit harmful content, experts say it’s not enough. Buchwald argues that algorithms are not neutral. “They amplify content that maximizes engagement, regardless of its psychological harm,” he said. Until platforms take stronger action, the burden remains on users and families to protect themselves.
Still, there is hope. By promoting open dialogue, building media literacy, and focusing on holistic self-worth rather than appearance, families can build resilience against SkinnyTok and other harmful trends.
As Buchwald puts it, “Your self-worth isn’t defined by a trend. Prioritizing mental health over social media validation is the most powerful decision you can make.”
