Teen's Eating Disorder Fueled by 'Skinnytok'

During the lockdown period, a 15-year-old girl named Eloise Trunchion in West Sussex developed a severe eating disorder, anorexia, after consuming 'Skinnytok' and 'Fitspo' content online. Her mother, Sara, initially believed the social media influences were harmless but soon witnessed her daughter's health rapidly decline.

Eloise's experience is not isolated, with Ofcom reporting that 16% of UK teenagers saw content that stigmatized body types or promoted disordered eating. This alarming trend has prompted government consultations, exploring measures like a ban on social media for under-16s, mirroring actions taken in Australia.

Now 19, Eloise recalls how the idealized portrayals of extreme thinness and restrictive eating online distorted her perception of food and self-worth. Her journey involved immense struggle, including significant weight loss and psychological distress, until a formal diagnosis of anorexia in January 2022.

After undergoing treatment at an eating disorder day unit for three months, Eloise began her recovery. She emphasizes that recovery is about regaining life, not just weight. Now a source of hope, she uses her own social media to share positive messages and support others on their healing paths.