The Dark Side of Skinnytok: When Fitness Motivation Turns Toxic

I went down a rabbithole and I'll tell you the things I found and what I have to say about them.

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Content Warning: This article discusses body image, weight loss, diet culture, and potentially triggering fitness concepts.

Please read with care for your mental health and well-being. Gracias.

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That being said, let's dig in, shall we?

Last week, I was scrolling through tiktok during my breaktime, and I came across a rather disturbing video that didn't quite sit well with me.

For a split second, I wondered why the tiktok algorithm would even recommend such a video to me in the first place.

Anyways, before your mind starts going far and wide; let me tell you what I saw.

It was a screen recording of a fitness influencer's live stream where she was motivating her followers to get in shape.

Her approach and choice of words took me aback; and because I was curious about where she purchased her audacity from, I went down a rabbithole called Skinnytok.

Oh yes, it's an actual thing.

At first glance, it seemed like an inspiring fitness movement with transformation stories of individuals who have lost significant amounts of weight.

But, on a closer look I noticed how deeply troubling and toxic this trend was.

After investigating deeper, I present to you my findings.

Skinnytok is characterized by fitness influencers who have typically experienced dramatic weight loss themselves. Many of these content creators share their personal journeys from being overweight or obese to achieving "healthy" BMI.

While their personal transformation stories can be inspiring, their methods of motivation have taken a disturbing turn.

These influencers have adopted an approach that can only be described as mean motivation in the guise of tough love.

They use harsh language and shame.

I have even lost count of how many times they used phrases like:

- No excuses!

- If I can do it, anyone can!

They even go as far as making degrading comments about their past body sizes, food and lifestyle choices.

The saddest part of this entire matter is that it has become so normalised and most people are even giving feedback on how it has worked for them and kept them motivated.

I am of the opinion that the process to a result is as important as the end result itself.

This trend is more than just inappropriate messaging. It is an indication of a much deeper societal issue.

Walk with me.

Normalising Skinnytok content reveals a profound lack of self-love and an oversimplification of the concept of weight loss, which can in turn lead to an unhealthy relationship with food and ones body image.

These fitness influencers in question ignore the complex scientifically proven realities of weight management.

The fact that factors like a person's genetic predisposition, metabolic rate, underlying medical condition(s),mental health challenge(s), and/or socioeconomic factors can immensely affect their ability to maintain a healthy weight and overall lifestyle is being overlooked.

With the look of things, this trend would start to promote extreme diet culture, negative self-image and potential development of eating disorders.

THIS IS WHY I CANNOT KEEP QUIET.

I MUST TELL YOU THE TRUTH.

Listen, weight loss is complicated. Like, really complicated. It's not just about willpower.

Also, your fitness journey shouldn't always feel like you're punishing yourself.

Instead, it should feel like loving yourself RIGHT NOW. It should be about understanding that your worth isn't measured by a number on a scale or tape. It should be about moving in ways that actually bring you joy and celebrating the body that carries you through life, while attaining a better health status.

Your fitness journey should feel like self-care, not war.

This doesn't ignore the fact that making healthier choices and lifestyle modifications may be challenging and sometimes difficult; but in this case, it would be from a place of self-love.

So instead of embracing toxic motivation, I have better, much more compassionate and sustainable ways to approach your fitness and health goals.

1. Be kind to yourself

Give yourself grace and recognize that your health is a journey, not a destination.

I advise you celebrate your victories. None is too small. They're all part of your efforts towards actualising the best version of yourself.

2. Prioritise complete wellness

Focus on your overall health, not just your weight.

This might mean that you consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice tailored to your specific health needs.

You should also prioritize mental well-being. I cannot emphasise this enough.

Your body will thank you.

3. Make sustainable lifestyle changes

Start with gradual, manageable modifications in your daily routine.

You can even find physical activities you genuinely enjoy; like dancing, swimming or walking.

Even when it comes to the food you consume, you should understand your nutrition without restrictive dieting.

This is where a pro in the game comes in: your Registered Dietitian or Nutritionist (like myself, duhhh😉).

4. Seek supportive communities

Ditch the Skinnytok folks. You deserve better.

Look for groups that emphasize encouragement and avoid spaces that use shame as motivation.

We don't tolerate that here.

So to anyone scrolling through skinnytok (which I do not even advice) and feeling like they're not enough; don't believe the lies.

I'm telling you now, You are ENOUGH. Full stop!

Moving forward, let's actively resist and speak out against trends that normalize toxicity of any kind.

Our worth is not determined by our weight, body shape, or ability to conform to narrow beauty standards.

To the fitness influencers causing havoc; we shall meet to fight another day.

I get it, your journey is valid, but your methods of motivation is like a weapon of mass destruction.

Your transformation story should inspire, not shame.

And to those on their own health journey, you are worthy of respect, love, and compassion, exactly as you are right now. I am rooting for you.

That's it from me to you.

I'll like to read your thoughts about this. See you in the comments.😊

Over and out!

Stay updated. Stay healthy.

Peace. ✌️