TikTok has been actively updating its policies and taking measures to restrict content related to extreme weight loss and unhealthy body image, aiming to create a safer and more body-positive environment for its users. These efforts include restricting searches, updating community guidelines, and partnering with organizations dedicated to eating disorder awareness and support.
One significant step has been blocking search results for hashtags like "#SkinnyTok," which was found to be associated with content promoting extreme weight loss methods and disordered eating. When users now search for "SkinnyTok," they are directed to resources offering support for body image, food, and exercise-related concerns, including contact information for organizations like the National Eating Disorder Association. This action was taken after an increase in content promoting unhealthy weight loss behaviors was observed, particularly during March and April of this year, and following scrutiny from policymakers.
TikTok's community guidelines explicitly prohibit content that shows, describes, promotes, or offers coaching for disordered eating or dangerous weight-loss behaviors. These behaviors are defined as extreme low-calorie diets, binging and intentional vomiting, misusing medication or supplements for weight loss, and exercising through serious injuries or illness. The guidelines also target content that promotes unhealthy body measurements and "body checking" trends, such as comparing body parts to household objects.
The updated guidelines, which went into effect in May 2024, categorize content related to body image and disordered eating into four categories: allowed, not allowed, restricted to users 18 and older, and ineligible for the "For You Feed" (TikTok's personalized recommendation algorithm). While users are permitted to condemn disordered eating and dangerous weight loss behaviors, they are not allowed to show or describe specific diets or behaviors.
TikTok has also implemented measures to control advertising related to weight loss. The platform has banned ads for fasting apps and weight loss supplements and has increased restrictions on ads that promote a harmful or negative body image. Marketing of weight loss products is restricted to users over the age of 18, and ads are monitored to ensure they do not promote a negative relationship with food or individual body types.
These changes reflect a broader effort to address the potential harm that social media can inflict on body image and mental health, especially among young users. Research has shown that even brief exposure to pro-anorexia content on TikTok can negatively impact body image and increase the internalization of thinness ideals.
Despite these efforts, some experts remain concerned that these measures are not enough to combat the underlying issues that drive the promotion of unhealthy body standards. They argue that the underlying issues like systemic fatphobia, beauty privilege, and social media algorithms that reward thinness still need to be addressed. They point out that users can easily circumvent restrictions by using different spellings, new hashtags, or code words. Additionally, TikTok's algorithm may continue to feed users body-centric content even if specific hashtags are banned.
To further support users struggling with body image or eating disorders, TikTok offers in-app controls such as reporting, blocking, "not interested" buttons, and comment filters. The platform also partners with organizations like the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) to provide resources and support to users in need.
