TikTok has been accused of giving kids eating disorders for years now, due to the types of content that the algorithm recommends to its younger users, especially teenage girls. Whether blame should be placed on the creators themselves, TikTok or oblivious parents is irrelevant, as for right now it is important to identify the problem and exactly how rampant it is.
Most content categories on TikTok contain two drastically opposite sides of the spectrum and a somewhat healthy middle ground, food and diet TikTok is no different. Users can scroll from large, fast-food-filled mukbangs to a creator encouraging its audience to participate in restrictive and unrealistic diets. These are both examples of extremely unhealthy eating habits, but only one is genuinely promoted. The problem with this misinformation is that the target audience is people who are already insecure about their eating habits or appearance. Most adults and people who are secure in themselves can see those videos for what they are, and keep scrolling, but young teens often do not have that level of security in themselves yet, and they are more inclined to listen. Some examples of the dangerous messages being spread are “My biggest fear is being fat” or “My goal weight is 90 pounds”. These are dangerous because they are extremely unhealthy mindsets to be in that can lead to irreparable physical harm.
The best way to reduce the harm these mindsets cause is education on what is healthy and body positivity. One part of eating disorders that is not focused on enough is the horrible side effects that people experience. Eating disorders are interestingly both the most deadly mental illnesses, and the most romanticized so in an attempt to deglamorize these behaviors, here are some of the grueling side effects of anorexia: extreme stomach pains and constipation; rapid hair loss; hair growth on the upper lip, chin, and spine; esophageal tearing; slowed cognitive ability and BRAIN ATROPHY. Teens must understand the genuine excruciating pain that anorexia causes.
Of course, there are healthier ways to lose weight and gain muscle for a desired physique, but it is much more crucial that teenagers focus on giving the body what it needs to function well. Ensuring that people get enough protein, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables is way more important than just a calorie deficit, and regardless of someone’s weight, everyone deserves to eat. Bodies need fuel more than they need to be thin.
