Unpacking SkinnyTok: the slimming trend that’s stretching reality too thin

TikTok has become well-known for its viral trends, which range from dance challenges to life hacks. However, not all trends are harmless, such as the SkinnyTok trend, which promotes unhealthy and unrealistic body standards.

What is SkinnyTok?

SkinnyTok is the latest controversial phenomenon that glorifies extreme thinness and restrictive eating habits all under the guise of #bodygoals.

While some users rave about the trend’s “motivational” weight-loss content, experts and mental health advocates are raising major red flags.

Think calorie-counting hacks, “thinspiration” videos, and before-and-after body transformations. While some might argue that these posts are about “health”, the underlying message often perpetuates unattainable beauty standards and unhealthy behaviours.

Recently, TikTok banned a major influencer behind the trend, sparking heated conversations about the impact of SkinnyTok on mental health, self-esteem, and eating habits, especially among young users.

Mental health expert Stephen Buchwald says trends like SkinnyTok can be especially damaging because TikTok’s algorithm amplifies this content, serving it repeatedly to young, impressionable audiences.

“Social media can be a space for connection, but it also amplifies unrealistic body standards that can severely impact mental health, especially in teenagers and young adults,” Buchwald explains.

Déjà vu: the return of toxic body standards

If this sounds familiar, it’s because we’ve seen it before. Back in the early 2000s, pop culture was filled with images of ultra-thin women on shows like "Sex and the City" and in movies like "The Devil Wears Prada".

The "heroine chic" aesthetic was glorified as the ultimate beauty ideal.

Fast forward to 2025, and TikTok has become the new stage for these harmful ideals; only now, they’re algorithmically pushed to vulnerable users at lightning speed.

While society has made strides toward embracing body positivity, the popularity of SkinnyTok shows how deeply ingrained these toxic standards still are. And this time, the stakes are even higher, given the mental health challenges exacerbated by social media.

How SkinnyTok is messing with our minds

Scrolling through endless videos of “perfect” bodies can take a toll on anyone. For young people, especially teens, these images can be downright destructive in different ways, as listed below:

Anxiety and depression are on the rise

Constantly comparing yourself to curated, filtered, and often unrealistic images of thinness can lead to feelings of inadequacy.

“Seeing these posts every day can make people feel like they’re never ‘good enough,’” says Buchwald.

“This creates a cycle of self-criticism and low self-worth, which can escalate into anxiety and depression.”

Disordered eating behaviours are normalised. Videos promoting extreme diets or workouts can encourage restrictive eating habits, often disguised as “tips”.

Research even shows that watching just eight minutes of “thinspiration” content can negatively impact body image.

Buchwald warns, “These trends don’t just normalise unhealthy behaviours; they make them seem desirable, turning weight loss into a dangerous obsession.

"Body dysmorphia is becoming more common. When your feed is flooded with idealised body types, it’s easy to start fixating on your own 'flaws'.

"Over time, this can lead to body dysmorphic disorder, a condition where individuals obsess over perceived imperfections that may not even be noticeable to others. The emergence of social media platforms has intensified body image concerns, especially among adolescents and young adults."

Trends like the "ripped teen" phenomenon on TikTok have contributed to unrealistic body standards, leading to increased cases of muscle dysmorphia, a subtype of BDD characterised by an obsession with muscle size and leanness.

It's hard to imagine a world without social media. Although platforms like TikTok can be addictive, you can take steps to protect your mental health.

Here’s how:

Curate your feed like a pro

You don’t have to follow every trend or creator. Muting or unfollowing harmful accounts can work wonders for your mental health. “Be intentional about the content you consume,” says Buchwald. “

"Follow creators who promote healthy perspectives on body image, self-care, and mental health.”

Question the narrative

Just because something is trending doesn’t mean it’s healthy or true. If a video is promoting extreme weight-loss tips, ask yourself: Is this backed by science?

How does it make me feel? Who benefits from this content? Spoiler alert: it’s usually not you.

Seek professional support

If you find yourself struggling with body image or eating habits, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. “Therapy provides a safe space to unpack these pressures and develop healthier self-perceptions,” Buchwald explains.

“You don’t have to navigate these struggles alone.”

To its credit, TikTok has taken steps to address harmful trends like SkinnyTok. The platform recently banned a top influencer who promoted this content and has introduced features to limit the visibility of posts that glorify unhealthy behaviours.

As individuals, we can’t control the algorithm, but we can control how we engage with social media.

“Your self-worth isn’t defined by a trend,” Buchwald says. "Prioritising mental health over social media validation is one of the most empowering decisions you can make.”