If you’re anything like us and are (lowkey) addicted to endlessly scrolling TikTok, you’ve probably stumbled upon a curious corner of the platform dubbed #SkinnyTok. It’s a space where users—many of them already slim—trade tips on how to whittle down their bodies even further. At first glance, some of their suggestions sound like standard weight-loss advice: taking daily walks, cutting out late-night snacks, and stepping on the treadmill for a quick jog. Look closer, though, and you’ll find borderline extreme tactics—skipping meals, staying “just a bit hungry,” and doubling up on workouts. Is this simply tough love, or has the 90s obsession with rail-thin bodies returned, wrapped up in shiny modern social media packaging?
Let’s rewind for a second. Remember the ‘90s and early 2000s when ultra-thin was the gold standard? Magazines were obsessed with thigh gaps, red carpets were filled with skeletal silhouettes, and we were all somehow convinced by Kate Moss‘ famous quote, “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.” Fast forward two decades, and it seems like that same aesthetic is back, only this time, it’s being self-replicated by creators on TikTok. And guess what? Moss’ quote? It is the literal anthem of #SkinnyTok.
@millyondollargirl nothing tastes as good as skinny feels. #skinny?☕️ #katemoss #modellife #healthyfood #workoutmotivation #foryour #fürdichh ♬ Nothing Tastes As Good As Skinny Feels – model for catwalk
What’s concerning is that it’s not being pushed by brands or mainstream media. This time, it’s grassroots. It’s girls online, promoting “clean eating,” romanticizing being “a little hungry,” and showing off “skinny girl meals” under the guise of discipline and self-care. The problem? It’s often the same creators who also post body-positive messages. They’ll say things like, “All bodies are beautiful,” while also making it very clear that their personal goal is to be stick-thin. It’s body positivity, but only if your version of “positive” still includes being skinny. Not healthy, skinny.
@souzysbeautifulchaos @MINAZALIE pushing us up with her #skinnytok #skinny ♬ original sound – MINAZALIE
Not everything on #SkinnyTok is toxic. Some of the tips floating around—walking more, drinking water, focusing on portion control—are, in isolation, actually helpful and even grounded in common sense. There’s nothing inherently dangerous about being mindful of your health, tracking steps, or trying to build healthier habits. It’s when those tips cross the line into an obsession that things get murky. Once the conversation swerves into skipping dinner or eating so little that your stomach constantly grumbles, we’re treading dangerous ground. Critics argue that endorsing extreme calorie deficits or glorifying hunger is a slippery slope, especially for those prone to disordered eating. While the intent might be to “stay disciplined,” it can quickly morph into something far more harmful.
@mandanazarghami the first one slapped me in the face lol #skinnytok #health #wellness #walking #weightloss #glowup ♬ original sound – Mandana
The popularity of #SkinnyTok poses the question: Has body positivity lost the plot or did we never really mean it in the first place? Maybe the uncomfortable truth is that body positivity never really unseated thinness as the ultimate ideal—it merely put a filter on it. The movement made progress, sure, but in retrospect, a lot of it was surface-level. If #SkinnyTok is any indication, that ultra-slim trend is creeping back into view. One moment, these TikTokers champion “body positivity for everyone.” Next, they confess their personal goal is to stay borderline underweight, hinting that deep down, many people never stopped craving that stick-thin silhouette.
At its best, #SkinnyTok can be a space for motivation and mindful routines. At its worst, it’s a breeding ground for glamorized restriction and internalized shame. The danger lies in how easily the two blur together. It’s not always easy to tell when health turns into obsession, when goals become guilt, or when confidence becomes comparison. That’s why it’s important to look at this trend with a clear mind and ask ourselves whether we’re chasing health or unrealistic beauty standards under a new name.
Whether you find #SkinnyTok motivational or problematic might depend on your own relationship with food and self-image. Just keep in mind that healthy habits should build you up, not break you down. And if watching constant “thinspo” starts to chip away at your peace of mind, you’re allowed to step away. After all, the internet will always have a new trend—whether it’s pushing kale smoothies, quick-fix medication, or vintage diet culture—so it’s worth thinking critically about which ones truly serve our well-being.
