In today’s health-conscious culture, social media platforms like TikTok have become hubs for fitness influencers promoting extreme diets and wellness trends. While many of these trends, such as eliminating sugar or sticking to raw vegetables, may seem beneficial, they can pose significant risks to mental and physical well-being.
Jason Wood, a former TikTok follower of health trends, found himself increasingly obsessed with what he believed were “healthier” food choices. He added protein powder to nearly everything, from peanut butter sandwiches to yogurt, convinced it was improving his diet. However, this seemingly harmless act eventually led to a diagnosis of orthorexia, an eating disorder characterized by an unhealthy obsession with eating foods considered pure or healthy.
Orthorexia, though less known than bulimia or anorexia, can be just as harmful. According to studies from Australia, the U.S., and Turkey, the rise in TikTok’s influence is directly linked to an increase in orthorexia symptoms, especially among viewers who are vulnerable to these types of health obsessions.
Orthorexia is a disorder that arises from an excessive focus on avoiding foods deemed unhealthy, often leading individuals to restrict their diet to a point where it negatively affects their physical health. Rachel Hogg, a psychologist at Charles Sturt University in Australia, defines it as an extreme form of dietary purity. The term was first introduced in 1996 by Dr. Steven Bratman, who himself experienced the consequences of eliminating too many food groups from his diet.
For those like Wood, the physical symptoms of orthorexia can be debilitating. Wood recalls feeling cold in the middle of summer, suffering from dizziness, and experiencing body aches as his restrictive eating habits took their toll. Despite its roots in a pursuit of health, the condition remains elusive, with few recognizing its damaging effects until it is too late.
The growing influence of social media, particularly TikTok, has become a focal point for experts concerned about the rise of orthorexia. Influencers often promote “What I Eat in a Day” (WIEIAD) videos, showing highly curated meals that can sometimes promote unhealthy eating habits in the name of health. Elaina Efird, a registered dietitian and body positivity advocate on TikTok, argues that influencers, though well-meaning, may not realize the harm they are causing. Many influencers may truly believe they are promoting a healthy lifestyle or are simply promoting what works for their bodies, overlooking the potential risks of setting unrealistic standards.
Hadassah Johanna Hazan, a clinical social worker in Jerusalem, observes that the pressure to maintain a fit, toned body has led to unhealthy eating patterns becoming normalized, especially among those who actively avoid certain food groups like carbohydrates. For many, this becomes an addiction that is difficult to break, even for those who consider themselves health-conscious or nutrition experts.
Research conducted in the United States has revealed that even nutrition students often lack knowledge about orthorexia, further illustrating the issue’s complexity. Though TikTok has made some strides by establishing an eating disorder safety page, orthorexia is not specifically mentioned, nor is there any direct acknowledgment of its link to social media content.
While TikTok has taken some steps to address the issue, experts emphasize that the platform’s algorithm can exacerbate the problem. Hogg highlights the dangerous cycle where individuals searching for body-positive content are suddenly confronted with videos promoting orthorexia. The app’s algorithm, designed to keep users engaged, often delivers content that may not be beneficial, especially for those in recovery from eating disorders.
The dangers extend to younger users, as statistics show that a significant portion of pre-teens and teens are active on TikTok. According to a 2022 Statistica survey, 47% of 11-12-year-olds use TikTok, with many of them vulnerable to developing eating disorders during adolescence. As Hogg notes, TikTok’s content is largely created by and for young people, making it particularly influential for vulnerable groups.
Eating disorders are deadly. In the U.S., an estimated 10,200 deaths each year are attributed to eating disorders. Even those who avoid the extreme consequences of death may still suffer from malnutrition, bone density loss, and severe mental health challenges. As Wood, now in recovery, advocates, the definition of “healthy” should encompass mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being, not just physical health.
Ultimately, experts agree that a balanced approach to diet and health, supported by positive social media engagement, is essential. Wood urges people to use social media as a space for community building and to avoid using it to make harmful comparisons about body image and wellness.
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