What Parents Need to Know About SkinnyTok and Teen Body Image
SkinnyTok is the latest TikTok trend glamorizing extreme thinness—and it’s making waves among teens. I had the opportunity to speak with Parents Magazine about how this trend affects adolescent mental health, disordered eating risks, and how parents can respond.
If you’re wondering how to talk to your teen about SkinnyTok or spot early signs of body image concerns, this article breaks it down.
Key Takeaways from the Parents Magazine Feature
SkinnyTok promotes shame-based discipline disguised as “wellness.”
Content under this trend often frames thinness as a matter of willpower—urging teens to restrict food, avoid treats, and “stay in control.”
The messaging mirrors ’90s diet culture, not body positivity.
While body positivity gained traction publicly, many teens—and adults—still internalized harmful beliefs about weight and worth.
SkinnyTok can worsen self-esteem and eating behaviors.
Even without a full-blown eating disorder, teens exposed to these messages may begin restricting, body checking, or hiding eating habits.
This isn’t a new trend—it’s a resurfacing of old pressures.
Despite past efforts toward acceptance, shame around weight never truly disappeared. It’s now resurfacing, amplified by influencer culture and GLP-1 medications like Ozempic.
Parents play a key role—but connection comes first.
Before jumping into a conversation, consider the relationship dynamic. Curiosity, vulnerability, and ownership of your own messages about food/body are critical tools.
What I Wish More Parents Knew
Even well-meaning parents can accidentally reinforce the same narratives their teens are struggling to escape. If you’ve ever made comments about your own weight or food choices in front of your teen—it’s never too late to own that. One of the most powerful things you can do is show them that you’re unlearning, too.
Whether your teen is directly engaging with SkinnyTok or subtly absorbing its messages, don’t underestimate how impactful one honest, non-judgmental conversation can be.
Want help navigating body image concerns or disordered eating in your teen?
Book a consultation or explore more blog posts on eating disorders & body image.
