TikTok Blocks Search to Stop Harmful Weight Loss Content

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Photo: AFP

TikTok has stopped people from searching for certain content that promotes extreme thinness. Many people were worried because these videos often show what people eat or how they exercise to lose a lot of weight, which can be harmful.

TikTok said it blocked these search results because they were connected to unhealthy weight loss content. Now, if someone tries to search for this content, TikTok will send them to mental health support instead.

Tom Quinn, who works for a charity called Beat that helps people with eating disorders, said this decision is good news. He explained that this kind of content can harm people who struggle with their body image or eating problems. But he also said more needs to be done. People often find ways around blocks like this, and many harmful videos still exist without being flagged. TikTok and other social media sites need to work harder to stop those videos.

What exactly is this content? The National Alliance for Eating Disorders in the US says there are more than half a million posts like this. Some videos show low-calorie recipes or fitness advice that might look healthy at first. But the group says these posts really promote being very thin and make gaining weight seem bad. They encourage unhealthy eating habits and thoughts.

This problem is especially serious in France, where experts warn that social media can push young people into dangerous eating behaviors. A nutritionist named Carole Copti said patients who see this content often feel stuck. She said one short doctor visit cannot undo the many hours they spend on TikTok every day watching these harmful videos.

France’s digital minister praised the blocking of this content and said it happened because European leaders spoke up.

TikTok said they always check their safety rules to keep users safe from new risks. They also limit some videos for teenagers and provide expert health advice in the app’s search results.

This is not the first time TikTok acted because of body image worries. In March, TikTok removed a popular filter called the "chubby filter" that made people look overweight, as it also caused concern.