A viral TikTok filter that makes users appear overweight has sparked backlash, with many calling for its removal, arguing it promotes body shaming and fuels toxic diet culture.
The AI-powered effect, dubbed the “chubby filter,” alters users’ photos to make them look as if they have gained weight. While some have shared their results in a lighthearted manner, others feel the trend is harmful and reinforces negative stereotypes about body image.
“It felt like people were saying, ‘Oh, wouldn’t it be the worst thing ever to be fat?’” said Sadie, a TikTok creator with 66,000 followers.
She noted that some women had even deleted the app after encountering the filter because it made them feel insecure.
Experts agree the trend is damaging. Dr. Emma Beckett, a food and nutrition scientist, described it as a “huge step backwards” in the fight against weight stigma.
She warned that such trends contribute to eating disorders and body dissatisfaction, making people “obsess over food and exercise in unhealthy ways.”
Many users have spoken out against the trend, with some calling for TikTok to remove the filter entirely, while others suggest the platform should issue warnings on posts featuring body-shaming content.
Despite growing criticism, TikTok has yet to comment on the controversy.
Source: NewsandVibes.com
