TikTok bans #SkinnyTok searches over "harmful weight loss content"
TikTok has banned searches for the #SkinnyTok hashtag amidst criticism that it promotes “unhealthy weight loss content”
TikTok has banned searches for the #SkinnyTok hashtag amidst criticism that it promotes “unhealthy weight loss content.”
The associated content, which includes over half a million posts, showcased people's workout routines and their eating habits. TikTok said, however, that it "glorifies thinness and vilifies weight gain" and "promotes disordered eating behaviours."
The popular social media platform will now redirect users searching the hashtag towards mental health support resources.
The move was especially welcomed in France, where health professionals warned of young people developing eating disorders as a result of consuming such content.
France’s Digital Minister celebrated TikTok’s decision, crediting European politicians for pushing for these “significant changes”. “#SkinnyTok is OVER,” she wrote in a post on X.
Skinnytok c’est TERMINÉ !
undefined Clara Chappaz (@ClaraChappaz) June 1, 2025
Le 18 avril j’ai saisi l’@Arcom_fr et la @EU_Commission sur les dizaines de milliers de contenus promouvant la maigreur extrême sur @Tiktok sous le hashtag #skinnytok.
Vous avez été près de 35 000 à partager votre indignation au travers la pétition… pic.twitter.com/2KT46sSFKi
“We’ve blocked search results for #SkinnyTok as it became linked to harmful weight loss content,” TikTok said in a statement. “We continue to review and strengthen our safety measures to address evolving risks.”
This is not the first time TikTok has taken action against distorted body image content. In March, it blocked so-called “chubby filters” - visual effects used to make users look larger for fun.
According to the platform, it will continue to restrict videos from teen accounts and provide health experts and information in TikTok Search.
Ofcom, the regulator for the UK communications industries, has also finalized a series of child safety rules that will govern social media, search, and gaming apps and websites from July 25th, 2025.
The news comes as an investigation by The Guardian revealed that more than half of all top-trending videos offering mental health advice on TikTok contain misinformation. The company, however, claimed that it removes videos if they discourage people from seeking professional medical support or promote dangerous treatments.
