Who is this article for?
- Parents of teenagers or adolescent individuals
- Curious reader trying to catch up with the latest scoop
- Social media user who is seeing too much of this word on their feed
- Looksmaxxer or Starvemaxxer trying to escape this labyrinth
Article at a glance:
- Men are more likely to undergo extreme transformation that is detrimental for their health
- Starvemaxxing is not the best way to achieve a body goal. Healthy diet and lifestyle changes can help you in a better way.
- Awareness on healthy body image, importance of healthy lifestyle and eating habits are necessary for combating such fad diets
| Note: The following article mentions eating disorder and a trend that glorifies disordered eating. Read carefully. |
The internet is filled with wild trends that sometimes make no sense! Amidst all of this is the recent trend of starvemaxxing! This trend is a brother of the looksmaxxing. The disturbing TikTok trend is gaining all the attention for all the wrong reasons. This is due to the significant changes in appearance that one can notice.
Social media is a tricky place to be, especially if you are of an impressionable age. And you probably would have guessed which age group this is specifically targeted towards. Teenagers and young adults are mostly those who can easily fall prey to such trends. This is because of the poor self-esteem and body image issues they develop in their teenage years.
This is a pressing issue that has grabbed the attention of researchers and mental health experts equally. However, there hasn’t been much action to curb the rising number of mental health issues that individuals in this age group develop.
Starvemaxxing is a subset of lookmaxxing trend that has been gripping the internet. The former is causing a lot of health concerns in the medical field due to its borderline eating disorder similarity.
The attention that health experts have given to the trend helps in raising awareness against such health fads that can become hazardous for the individual. Let us learn what the trend is all about and why it is a problem!
What is starvemaxxing?
TikTok being banned in certain countries was probably the best thing that happened for the youth of those nations. This deadly trend is a bane for the internet users, especially the young male users who are constantly on the app, trying to find a way to become viral. This is something affecting their overall health, starting from mental to physical health.
As the name suggests, this trend is about starving oneself to the maximum level such that there is a significant weight loss from parts of the body targeting the face and body.
This is one trend that does not really have any positive sides to it, this is quite concerning as the use of social media could result in so many positive changes. I could list a few of them here, but that requires a separate publishing on its own.
I don’t know if you have noticed, but in recent years, all the trends that have been going viral, especially on TikTok have been quite…problematic. Or is it just me who is noticing this? From forcing the inhalation of toxic fumes to skipping shampoo, it’s been a great mix of worse trends ever!
There isn’t a stop to these trends, and no one bats an eye before following the trend. This is why there was initial concern around the use of social media and smartphones for young children. Parents were right to restrict the use of electronic devices by children, let alone give them access to social media accounts. Of their own. That’s a whole different issue in itself.
Why Is That Bad?
Teenage boys have been seen to fall prey to this trend mostly, but there also have been instances of female individuals following this trend. The apparent benefits for trend-followers were seen as:
- Hollow cheeks: That help them achieve a leaner facial appearance, giving them a pronounced cheekbone.
- Weight loss: This is one reason why this trend is in hot waters, with experts warning about the eating disorder this could cause for them soon.
- There are other health risks that can occur for them soon due to extreme starvation. Depriving self of essential nutrients can lead to significant health issues such as deficiencies, and hormonal issues. These can show up as fatigue, constantly low levels of energy.
- The overall well-being of the individual practicing the trend can significantly deteriorate.
Several other users who are fighting an eating disorder find it particularly disturbing as the trend is a trigger for them. This makes it difficult for them as they struggle to continue staying on the path of recovery or give in to the trigger.
With this article, I am aiming to address the psychology of people who are following the trend, the repercussions of following the trend.
What I discovered while researching
Trust me, it was quite a revelation. The trend started with lookmaxxing, which had its own positive and negative subsets. The majority of it was negative, as seen so far. Some of it was also positive, with the opposite trend of softmaxxing including trends such as mewing (a group of tongue exercises that you do to tone facial muscles.)
Everything about starvemaxxing is problematic. One advice I would give my readers is: do not follow a trend blindly for temporary benefits. Eat healthily, exercise adequately and make sure you are doing things that are good for you in the long run.
Following a trend that can have drastic effects on your overall health can be deadly if not stopped at the right time. This trend also highlights that mental health disorders do not discriminate between genders. The trend can cause eating disorder in men, which is thought to affect only women.
The one and only part of this trend that I loved was the awareness it is unknowingly spreading. The attention this trend has received from the mental health community and medical experts at large. Other users who are seeing it from a distance are aware that it is a negative trend that does not need to be followed.
Why is it negative?
The impact of not eating can be significant. We’ve seen how bad it can get for children who do not get adequate nutrition. From bone deformities to frequent episodes of fainting, there is no system that does not get affected by poor nutrition.
We’ll soon look at all the issues starvation can cause. The why of this trend’s negative influence can be explained with the extreme measures a trend follower is encouraged to take. Some of the ways young adults are convinced to change their physical appearance was through surgical procedure. This is a huge cause for concern as young adults are being fed the idea that their natural bodies aren’t good enough.
This isn’t something we plan to inculcate in the youth. Having struggled with body image issues, it takes a significant toll on mental wellbeing. Moreover, the origin of the trend is quite disturbing as well.
The forum which gave rise to this trend is known as the manosphere which is a collection of blogs, websites, online forums that promote the opposite of feminism such as misogyny, (toxic) masculinity.
Starvemaxxing is a part of hardmaxxing, the opposite trend of softmaxxing, it is rooted in practices such as getting implants. There were also instances of partakers getting limb-lengthening surgeries.
Another popular negative inclusion of this trend was bonesmashing which is being understood as an inside joke gone wrong. There were records of people hitting their face against objects to create a chiseled look. If that does not show how big of a red flag this is, I don’t know what will.
This shows how misinformation can affect people and their consumption of social media. The uninhibited use of social media platforms to express one’s opinions, views and “tips” has taken a dangerous turn. This makes it very difficult for people seeking genuine information for a condition.
There is incel subculture connected to the trend. This is another red flag about the condition as it projects three things:
- Young men should focus on sexually attracting someone else
- Hostile attitude towards women and men who are sexually active
- How looks play a role in meaningful relationships (no, it does not!)
These three are not just where the list ends, it can go on, but the immediate effect of this trend is seen in these three prominent areas.
SWAG and no its not cool
SWAG or Skinny, white and affluent girl, which is infamously used to denote the presence of an eating disorder makes it difficult for young girls to continue their normal growth during teenage years.
It is noteworthy that anorexia and other eating disorders is reported in at least 25% of the men. The appearance of symptoms takes a little longer than the permissible window within which an individual can be saved. The condition escalates to severe cases of the disorder, which can make it difficult to revert.
The representation of women, young girls in the data for eating disorders highlights a problem that keeps increasing. Which is the poor representation of male individuals in such statistics.
As per the recent reports, there is a significant rise in the number of male individuals with an eating disorder. The primary focus are online communities that focus on body image, pursuing weight loss or certain physical aesthetics. These online communities are supposed to focus on self-improvement and fitness.
There isn’t a lot of focus on the health risks that this trend poses
Out of the various proponents of starvemaxxing I came across, this one was ironic! The claims that caloric restriction in this diet is supposed to help in weight loss, thereby helping achieve a leaner physique. Nowhere was the warning that following this trend will pose a significant threat to the physical as well as mental wellbeing.
Some of the examples of issues that an individual partaking in the trend will experience are muscle wasting, electrolyte imbalance, hormonal disturbance, weak immune system and organ damage in severe cases.
Moreover, the rise in eating disorders (anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa) is a clear indication that such drastic dietary changes can take a toll on the health and wellbeing of the individual. There is an unhealthy preoccupation with weight, food, and body weight that this trend is promoting. Especially for the younger consumers who are constantly on these social media platforms.
Are we noticing starvemaxxing is bad?
Like you, I found myself asking the same question, or else how would this become a “trend?”The prioritization of health over the false validation one seeks through a certain body type or beauty, is where society fails us. Unrealistic beauty standards have been the biggest weapon against the self-esteem of young individuals. This is one of the reasons why we are in dire need of a sustainable and balanced approach that prioritizes exercise, nutrition, and overall health.
Moreover, the aspect of self-care has received much attention from the digital generation. You do not even have to consult a professional to know the importance of taking care of yourself. It’s all over the internet. From vloggers, celebrities to social media influencers, there is a huge promotion of self-care as a tool for taking care of your overall health. Thankfully, this has led to the acceptance of self-maintenance and prioritization of wellbeing within a wider population.
All of this is to point out the fact that thankfully not everyone is blindly following this deadly trend. There are strong protesters who actively report or comment on the original post which draws the attention of other individuals. Moreover, as we are a populace of impressionable consumers, something quite evident with the following example, we tend to believe something if it comes from someone who has a certain number of followers or a blue tick.
A prominent social media influencer with Brazilian roots took to his Instagram handle to express his concern over this raging trend that has been claiming victims across the internet. The usual stance of influencers, and celebrities alike is to stay mum on such topics.
So, what was different for this influencer, I found myself wondering. A little digging around gave me the answer – the followers of this influencer were associating his name to the trend, making it look like he is a participant of this trend.
Anyone with an active brain cell can smell the problem with this trend, so why would a Brazilian supermodel miss it? This is what the influencer’s take on the trend cleared. He was idolized by a group of teenagers who were a part of online forums promoting looksmaxxing, calling themselves lookmaxxers.
This is how his name was associated with the trend, with no clear proof of his participation. The experts looking into this trend point out how the pursuit of women, it is invisible to the young men who are following the trend closely how bad of a shape their health will be in a few years down the line.
Consulting with a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance and support in developing healthy eating habits and achieving fitness goals without resorting to extreme or harmful practices like starvemaxxing.
Psychological Dissection Of Starvemaxxers
It is quite easy to assume that those following this trend are hungry for fame and judge them harshly. However, when you really investigate it, you’ll find that these are just individuals with deep-rooted psychological layers that are complex.
At the eye of this storm is societal standards. Yes, this one has been bringing us shame for decades now. There are several ways you can see its hungry hands looking through the populace, claiming victims with every fistful it takes for examination.
The psychological underpinnings of starvemaxxers and this trend is enough to justify why so many young men are falling in its trap. Let’s have a look at all the different factors that push teenagers into the arms of starvemaxxing:
Body Dysmorphia
Also known as body dysmorphic disorder, this condition shows signs of influence in early years – pre-teens, in some cases. If you are a parent reading this, look out for these signs:
- Overly critical of their body
- Too invested in how they look
- Keen interest in improving external appearance
- Minor flaws causing them significant stress
If you are an individual experiencing these signs, talk to your parents, guardian or someone trusted and seek professional help. Having dealt with body dysmorphia myself, I know how badly one can get into their head about the way we look. But I would also like to reinstate that you will quite easily overcome the triggers that make you overly critical about the way your body looks.
The reason why this disorder connects starvemaxxers to the trend is how severe criticism can drive an individual to take steps that are “showing results” for others. This is more evident in those who are undergoing a transition – it could be changing schools, homes or even cities. Going through a change so drastic can intensify appearance-related thoughts.
Add in this mix their exposure to a trend such as starvemaxxing and you have the perfect recipe for disaster.
The attitudes towards our bodies, the way we consume food or even food as a whole, changes when we have an underlying mental health issue plaguing our thoughts. Mental health research has been always curious about the young mind and psyche. One of the most researched topics is perfectionism and social comparison in social media.
Social media platforms have become the center of attention for people around the globe. However, this is prominent for young adults, teenagers and even children. One such incident is
Internalized fatphobia
Weight stigma, especially the one that is internalized, affects self-esteem and body image significantly. This is concerning as there are major issues that can stem from internalized fatphobia, these are mainly mental health issues.
There is ample evidence to suggest issues such as disordered eating and difficulty in maintaining weight. One of the reasons why people with internalized fatphobia easily become victims of starvemaxxing is because of the appeal. The appeal here is that they can look a certain way which will satisfy their body image issue.
A recent survey conducted for this writing showed results that people with internalized fatphobia were most likely to experience anxiety and depression. It is highly likely that such individuals will take drastic measures to improve their perception of themselves.
Moreover, the stigma around obesity is significant enough to cause not just distress as well as a chronic case of depression. There are social norms that govern the behavior of people with internalized weight stigma.
A study concluded that even people without a large number on the weighing scale perceive themselves as “too heavy” owing to the stigma. This can cause these individuals to have a close interest in the trend, making them active participants of starvemaxxing.
Seeing that this trend’s origin is TikTok, it is only natural that influencers have a huge role in promoting the trend. Influencers, well, have a lot of influence over their followers. This is what makes it easier for them to garner views.
The other social media platforms other than TikTok, make it easier for the trend to gain the attention of other users. This is particularly true for countries where TikTok is banned. The trend reaches other vulnerable individuals with the help of these social media platforms.
The role of social media platforms and the influencers isn’t just in promoting the trend. There have also been significant accounts spreading awareness about the harms of this trend. Just like other extreme trends, starvemaxxing is more than capable of causing chronic physical and mental conditions in starvemaxxers.
One example which you already came across in one of the above sections mentions a Brazilian model advocating for healthy ways to build muscle and maintain a good health. It is true that the trend would not get his protest unless his face was used as an inspiration. It is also worth noting that with his popularity, he could also easily have taken legal action and stopped at that.
Influencers like him are an example of using the platform for good where they have a positive influence over their followers.
Ethnicity, gender identity and sexual orientation has entered the chat
There have been countless research looking into the link between socioeconomic/sociocultural factors such as race and socioeconomic status with the prevalence of mental health issues. One of the main reasons for such studies was the significant gap between those that belonged to a certain race and those that did not. For example, the numbers for depression were high in African Amercian individuals than those belonging to White populace.
A more concerning revelation was of the gender disparity that exists for mental health issues. Women were more likely to experience symptoms of eating disorders than men. However, the recent evidence suggest otherwise. Thus, the socioeconomic factors easily creep into the conversation surrounding starvemaxxing.
The experience of body image dissatisfaction is in sync with factors such as race, gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. These in turn have a link with environmental stressors and their individual experiences. There is a huge possibility that someone from a certain background will have experience issues such as fat or skinny shaming. There is always one aunt or relative who must comment on your body and introduce a body image dissatisfaction.
This can lead to disordered eating behaviors that promote unhealthy actions such as skipping meals and eating the least amount of food. These habits can lead to poor relations with food and a vulnerable person who easily gives in to the trend.
Thanks to social media there is also a rise in the promotion of inclusivity, body diversity and self-acceptance. With discussions on wellness and health gaining attention, the chances of combating such fad diets are looking up.
What can be done?
There are several approach that can be taken to fight this at the root. However, the sensitivity of the issue as well as the psychology of starvemaxxers require consideration.
This includes addressing the underlying issues through a rational standpoint. This is also helpful in improving their view of fad diets as well as body image. Through awareness, it is helpful to combat such issues as they rely on information and not popularity.
One such approach is known as HAES or Health at Every Size. This is necessary because the number of people with obesity equals the number of people who are underfed. Several cancer types, diabetes, gallbladder disease and coronary artery disease are related to poor eating habits as well. HAES is helpful in promoting wellbeing and health through practices that focus on self-care and body respect.
The main principles that this paradigm introduces in an individual’s life are:
- Joyful movement that focusses on feeling good rather than forcing movement that is strenuous.
- Intuitive eating
- Encouraging body acceptance regardless of the size and shape of the individual.
All of these promote positive relationships with body and food such that starvemaxxing and other harmful trends can end.
It is also important to consider the perspectives of culture and traditions that can govern how we eat food. This is important in the context of people belonging to culturally rooted races. Onlookers of trends have a superficial lens through which they view the entire trend. However, changing their perspective is one of the significant ways to combat this stigma.
Ancient practices involve relying on whole foods to lead healthy lives that are fulfilling as well as sustainable. The recent changes in eating habits are proof of how cultures impact food and eating practices.
The current fast-food culture has been affecting the eating habits across age groups, with most people focusing on the consumption of fast food, it is detrimental to their health. Self-care activities are just coming to light for some of the ethnicities and cultures due to the long-standing stigma. However, this is changing with the active role social media is playing in combating the negative side of such platforms.
Harmful dieting trends such as starvemaxxing are witness to the impact holistic well-being can have on starvemaxxers.
Impact on public health
In the digital age, anything slightly different can go viral. No matter the implications of that trend, it is easy to grab the attention of social media users. The broader public impact of trends such as starvemaxxers is a chronic eating disorder that can take months or even years to treat.
The impact that influencers have on their followers and social media users in general is undeniable. However, when it comes to trends that can become health concerns, health organizations such as CDC or WHO, should release a statement.
A statement or even a circular from them can be key to protesting such fad diets. Even if they do not take extreme actions such as banning the trend as it takes a lot of time, releasing a health advisory promoting healthy dietary trends can be impactful.
This is when their intervention is necessary for public health, as a larger audience is reached.
Wrapping It Up!
In conclusion, starvemaxxing as a trend can be potentially damaging to the minds of young men and women who actively take part in it. Awareness was recognized to be one of the most important ways to combat the negative effect of starvemaxxing.
There are also underlying factors that play an important role in people indulging in the trend. These are the factors that make them vulnerable to falling victim to the trend. This article looks at the factors that psychologically compel an individual to indulge in extreme dietary restrictions such as starvemaxxing. Inspecting the trend under this light allows differentiating between genuine concern and blindly following a trend.
Have any more trends you would like us to decipher? Let us know in the comments below!
