They’re sick of ‘SkinnyTok’ — dangerous TikTok trend glorifies starvation, experts warn

New York Post - Apr 16th, 2025

A troubling social media phenomenon called 'SkinnyTok' is gaining momentum across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, and YouTube, promoting extreme weight loss tactics and restrictive eating. Despite TikTok's attempt to discourage this trend by providing links to eating disorder resources, harmful content encouraging starvation and toxic discipline remains accessible. Experts and survivors warn that these messages, which echo the pro-anorexia communities of the early 2000s, can lead vulnerable users, especially adolescents, into dangerous cycles of self-criticism and low self-worth. Internal medicine specialist Dr. Asim Cheema and mental health professional Stephen Buchwald have raised concerns about the glorification of starvation and the dismissal of complex factors affecting weight and health.

The persistence of 'SkinnyTok' highlights the enduring influence of the thin ideal, despite growing backlash against fatphobia and diet culture. Experts caution that even well-intentioned creators may inadvertently promote obsession and disordered eating. Nutrition experts like Maria AbiHanna emphasize that crash dieting is ineffective and that the human body naturally resists rapid fat loss, further complicating efforts to conform to these unrealistic standards. The trend underscores the need for a shift towards supportive and realistic approaches to health and wellness, as well as the importance of seeking professional help when dealing with these issues.

Mental Health Tik Tok Instagram Body Image Reddit You Tube Skinny Tok Eating Disorders Pro Ana Adolescents

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RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and relevant examination of the "SkinnyTok" trend, highlighting its potential dangers and the impact of social media on body image and mental health. It effectively uses expert opinions and survivor testimonies to support its claims, although it could benefit from a broader range of perspectives, particularly from social media platforms and users.

The article is well-structured and clear, making it accessible to a general audience. It successfully raises awareness about an important public health issue, encouraging critical reflection and discussion. However, the inclusion of more specific examples, data, and actionable advice would enhance its impact and engagement.

Overall, the article is a strong contribution to ongoing conversations about digital health and safety, balancing informative content with responsible reporting on a controversial topic. It effectively highlights the need for greater awareness and regulation of harmful online trends, while encouraging readers to critically evaluate the content they consume.

Accuracy

The story accurately identifies the existence of a trend called "SkinnyTok" across social media platforms, which promotes extreme weight loss tactics. This claim is supported by the presence of similar content on TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, and YouTube, although the extent of its popularity and exact impact requires further verification. The story includes statements from experts and influencers, such as Phaith Montoya and Dr. Asim Cheema, which are credible and align with known concerns about such trends.

However, the article could benefit from more specific examples or data to support claims about the widespread nature of this trend and its direct health impacts. While it mentions TikTok's response to discourage the trend, the effectiveness of these measures isn't thoroughly evaluated or supported by concrete evidence. Additionally, the comparison to early-2000s "pro-ana" communities is compelling but needs more direct comparisons or historical analysis to fully substantiate.

Overall, the story's accuracy is generally strong, but it would be improved by including more detailed verification of claims, particularly regarding the prevalence and specific content of "SkinnyTok" and the precise actions taken by social media platforms.

Balance

The article primarily presents the viewpoint that "SkinnyTok" is a harmful trend, supported by quotes from medical professionals and mental health experts. This perspective is important given the potential health risks associated with the trend. However, the article lacks a diversity of viewpoints, such as those from social media platforms like TikTok, or from individuals who might defend or contextualize the trend differently.

The article could be more balanced by including responses from TikTok or other platforms about their policies and measures to address such content. Additionally, perspectives from users who engage with "SkinnyTok" content, whether positively or negatively, would provide a more comprehensive view of the trend's impact and reception.

By focusing heavily on the negative aspects, the article risks presenting a one-sided narrative. Including a wider range of perspectives would enhance the balance and provide a fuller picture of the issue.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, straightforward language to convey the main points about the "SkinnyTok" trend and its potential dangers. The use of direct quotes from experts and influencers helps to clarify the narrative and provide authoritative perspectives.

The article effectively uses subheadings and quotes to break up the text, making it easier for readers to follow the argument and understand the key issues. The tone is appropriately serious given the subject matter, which aligns with the article's intent to inform readers about a potentially harmful trend.

However, the article could improve its clarity by providing more specific examples or case studies of "SkinnyTok" content, which would help readers better understand the nature of the trend. Despite this, the overall clarity is strong, with a logical flow and coherent presentation of information.

Source quality

The article utilizes credible sources, including medical professionals like Dr. Asim Cheema and mental health experts such as Stephen Buchwald, which adds authority to the claims about the dangers of "SkinnyTok." The inclusion of a body-positive influencer and eating disorder survivor further enriches the narrative with personal insight.

However, while these sources are reliable, the article would benefit from a broader variety of sources, including social media platform representatives or academic studies on the topic. This would not only strengthen the credibility of the claims but also provide a more comprehensive understanding of the trend's implications.

Overall, the source quality is strong, but the inclusion of additional authoritative voices, particularly from the platforms implicated, would enhance the article's depth and reliability.

Transparency

The article is relatively transparent in presenting its claims, offering clear statements from experts and survivors about the potential dangers of "SkinnyTok." The inclusion of direct quotes provides transparency in how the information is sourced and presented.

However, the article could improve its transparency by providing more detailed information about the methodology used to identify and assess the "SkinnyTok" trend. For instance, explaining how the trend's popularity was measured or the criteria used to evaluate the content would enhance understanding.

Additionally, while the article mentions TikTok's guidelines and actions, it lacks specific details or examples of how these measures are implemented or their effectiveness. Greater transparency in these areas would strengthen the article's credibility and clarity.