The fitspiration trend is a current popular trend on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. The content is meant to encourage healthy living. The images and videos typically feature diet and exercise content. 

Xavier University

One way that image based social media may negatively impact an individual's body image is through the popular 'fitspiration' trend.  While this content may have some benefits such as inspiring and motivating people to be healthy, it also comes with numerous negative effects.

Fitspiration Content on Body Image

Pryde, S. and Prichard, I. (2022). TikTok on the clock but the #fitspo don’t stop: The impact of TikTok fitspiration videos on women’s body image concerns. Body Image, 43. https://doi-org.xavier.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.09.004.

TikTok on the clock but the #fitspo don't stop: The impact of TikTok fitspiration videos on women's body image concerns

- TikTok on the clock but the #fitspo don't stop: The impact of TikTok fitspiration videos on women's body image concerns 

Fitspiration Content on Body Image References 

Fitspiration content can consist of the creators body shaming and encouraging compulsive exercising and excessive/ overly restrictive dieting. This can be incredibly damaging to individuals', especially  young women’s, body image and cause them to internalize the thinness ideal which could potentially lead to them engaging in unhealthy behaviors to obtain this ideal body type.

Fitspiration Content  on Body Image: Potential Negative Effects 

One study found that individuals who viewed ten minutes of fitspiration did not demonstrate an increase in body dissatisfaction compared to those who watched ten minutes of neutral art TikToks. However, those who viewed fitspiration videos indicated an increase in negative mood and were more likely to engage in appearance comparison.

Fitspiration Content on Body Image: Body Dissatisfaction, Mood, Appearance Comparison

The negative impact of fitspiration content perpetuates the damaging mindset that it is more important to exercise and eat healthy in order to be thin rather than to be healthy. 

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