Simran Joshi
TikTok has banned influencer Liv Schmidt, who amassed nearly 700,000 followers, after she sparked controversy for promoting potentially harmful weight loss advice. Schmidt, known for advocating the importance of being thin, faced backlash from critics and dietitians who accused her of “glamorizing disordered eating.” The platform stated that her content violated community guidelines, leading to the removal of her account. Despite the criticism, Schmidt defended her stance, claiming she aimed to address obesity in America, though many argue her videos targeted vulnerable young viewers with dangerous messaging about food and body image.
The Controversial Weight Loss Advice and Its Impact
Liv Schmidt, a TikTok influencer with nearly 700,000 followers, has sparked significant debate with her content centered on weight loss and the importance of being thin. Her videos, often promoting a lifestyle focused on staying skinny, were labeled “dangerous” and “harmful” by experts and critics alike. Dietitians argue that her advice glamorized disordered eating, with messages emphasizing thinness as a key to confidence and self-worth. Schmidt’s focus on extreme weight control measures has drawn criticism, particularly as her audience includes young, impressionable viewers.
TikTok took action by banning her account, citing violations of community guidelines related to promoting disordered eating. Despite the backlash, Schmidt defended her stance in an interview with *The Wall Street Journal*, claiming her content reflected her personal beliefs. She emphasized that her message about weight was aligned with what her followers wanted to hear, asserting that there was nothing wrong with aspiring to be thin. Her response to the platform’s decision reveals a disconnect between her views and the concerns raised by health professionals.
Social Media’s Role in Promoting Harmful Beauty Standards
The influence of social media on young audiences is undeniable, and experts have raised concerns about the impact of Schmidt’s videos, particularly on girls too young to critically assess the content. Schmidt’s popular “What I Eat in a Day” videos often showcased restrictive diets that experts called “incredibly harmful.” These videos were linked to an Amazon storefront, promoting diet supplements and weight-loss products, further contributing to the unhealthy messaging being presented to her followers.
Additionally, Schmidt’s creation of a “Skinny Group Community Chat,” where subscribers paid $9.99 per month for advice, highlighted the monetization of harmful beauty standards. Social media users, especially parents and mental health advocates, have slammed Schmidt for spreading dangerous notions about food and body image. They argue that her content reinforces unrealistic and unhealthy body ideals that can lead to eating disorders and long-term psychological harm for her impressionable audience.
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