Teens at Risk as Social Media Fuels Dangerous Diet Trends

News Desk

Islamabad: Health professionals are raising renewed concerns about the effects of social media on the mental and physical wellbeing of adolescents, warning that platforms like TikTok and Instagram are contributing to a significant increase in eating disorders—particularly among teenage girls and young women.

While social media may not directly cause these conditions, experts say it plays a major role in triggering and accelerating them, often pushing at-risk individuals toward harmful behaviours associated with anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. These warnings come amid mounting global evidence showing a surge in eating disorders since the widespread adoption of social media.

“We no longer treat eating disorders without addressing social media use,” said French dietitian and nutritionist Carole Copti in an interview with AFP. “It has become a trigger, an accelerant, and a major obstacle to recovery.”

Global data supports this concern: the percentage of people who have experienced some form of eating disorder nearly doubled between 2000 and 2018—from 3.5% to 7.8%—a period that coincides with the explosive growth of social media.

Although eating disorders stem from a complex mix of psychological, genetic, environmental, and societal influences, health professionals warn that social platforms intensify these risks by glamorising thinness and spreading dangerous, misleading diet advice.

Psychiatrist Dr. Nathalie Godart of France’s Student Health Foundation described social media as “the straw that may break the camel’s back.” She noted how online promotion of rigid diets, excessive workouts, and unattainable body ideals puts vulnerable individuals at greater risk. “It weakens them further and poses a serious threat to their health,” she said.

Harmful Hashtags and Trends

One especially troubling trend is the proliferation of the #skinnytok hashtag on TikTok, filled with videos urging users to starve themselves or adopt extreme weight-loss behaviours. Health professionals have condemned this content as dangerously irresponsible.

Charlyne Buigues, a nurse specialising in eating disorder treatment, said social media normalises these harmful practices. “You see videos of young girls flaunting anorexic bodies or demonstrating purging techniques—it’s deeply concerning,” she said.

“Vomiting or using laxatives are portrayed as acceptable ways to lose weight, when in fact they can lead to life-threatening complications like cardiac arrest,” Buigues added.

France’s national health insurance agency reports that eating disorders are the second leading cause of premature death among 15- to 24-year-olds. Anorexia, in particular, has the highest mortality rate among all psychiatric illnesses.

A Dangerous Cycle of Online Validation

According to Copti, social media creates a vicious cycle of validation that worsens the disorder. “People with eating disorders often struggle with low self-esteem. When they receive attention for their thinness online, it reinforces their condition and deepens denial,” she explained.

This cycle can even become a source of income. Buigues cited a case where a young woman filmed herself vomiting live on TikTok, claiming she was paid by the platform and used the money to buy food.

Recovery Undermined by Online Misinformation

Healthcare professionals say the flood of diet misinformation online makes treatment harder. Many teens trust influencers more than medical experts.

Copti described consultations that resemble courtroom battles. “I have to argue why a 1,000-calorie diet is dangerous, or why skipping meals isn’t healthy,” she said. “They’re so influenced by TikTok, and my short session can’t compete with the hours they spend online.”

Godart voiced concern about unqualified “pseudo-coaches” who share questionable or even illegal advice. “These influencers often have more sway than official health authorities. It’s a constant struggle just to convey basic facts.”

Urgent Need for Platform Accountability

Despite reporting harmful content, health professionals say social media companies are slow to respond. Buigues said she regularly flags dangerous Instagram posts but sees little action. “It’s frustrating. The content stays up, and the accounts remain active.”

In extreme cases, she has advised patients to delete their accounts—especially on TikTok. “It might sound drastic, but until young people are better educated, the platform poses too much risk,” she said.