What is ‘SkinnyTok’? The dangerous TikTok trend that is raising alarms

Every now and then, the internet latches onto a new food or body trend — something that explodes across TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit, promising weight loss, control, and “wellness.” But time and again, these trends are proven to be more harmful than helpful.
The latest one? A growing corner of the internet called SkinnyTok. Backed by thousands of videos and millions of views, this viral trend is once again proving just how easily social media can normalize unhealthy — and even dangerous — behaviors.
At its core, SkinnyTok is a subcommunity on TikTok and other platforms where creators, mostly women in their teens and twenties, share content promoting extreme thinness. The aesthetic is often minimal, pastel, and curated — but the messaging behind it is anything but harmless.

As per reports, some of the most shared slogans within SkinnyTok say things like:
“If your stomach is growling, pretend it’s applauding you.”
“To be small, eat small. To be big, eat big.”
“You don’t need a treat. You’re not a dog.”
In fact, a quick Google search for “SkinnyTok” brings up around 43.4K posts on TikTok only. However, as it turns out when searching for the content on the app itself, a warning pops up instead: “You are more than your weight.” Tapping that leads to support resources, including the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA). But despite those guardrails, the SkinnyTok content keeps spreading.

On any given day, viewers are met with videos promoting ultra-low calorie diets, excessive water intake, or “what I eat in a day” clips that barely add up to 500 calories. The advice almost always boils down to the same idea: eat less, move more. But that perspective ignores the entire science of metabolism, mental health, hormonal regulation, and long-term sustainability. It also shames people for struggling, rather than offering real tools for health.
In an interview with Forbes, Dr. Asim Cheema called out how the trend promotes unhealthy behaviors disguised as health tips — like eating only once a day or suppressing hunger with fluids. “These practices,” Dr. Cheema warned, “can lead to electrolyte imbalances, hormonal disruptions, nutritional deficiencies, psychological distress, and even cardiac issues.”
Disordered eating is already a massive public health concern. According to , nearly 9% of the U.S. population will suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime. These conditions are incredibly difficult to recover from and can leave lasting physical — including heart issues,osteopenia, infertility, and more.

Worse still, social media often acts as fuel to the fire. has shown a clear link between online platforms and increased rates of anxiety, depression, and body dissatisfaction.
These trends are part of a bigger problem where 30 seconds reels tries to preach what and what not to do to gullible minds without proper research or expertise. So, the next time you’re scrolling and stumble across one of these videos, remember: just because something is trending doesn’t mean it’s trustworthy.