In a significant move, TikTok has officially removed its controversial "chubby filter," a decision made on March 22, 2025, following an outcry over its potential role in promoting unhealthy body image standards. The filter, known for artificially adding weight to users' photos, sparked spirited debates surrounding weight stigma and its impact on mental health.
In a statement to the BBC, a TikTok spokesperson confirmed, "The AI filter is not available through the app anymore." The filter gained notoriety for giving users a distorted body image, affecting how they perceive themselves and how others view them. Related content, including videos featuring the filter, had already been undergoing content review procedures.
Accusations of "fatophobia" emerged as users shared before-and-after images alongside captions like "oh no" and "if this doesn’t motivate me to go to the gym I don’t know what will." Such phrases often reveal the underlying societal pressures regarding body image, drawing sharp criticism from health experts and influencers alike.
Sadie Bass, a 29-year-old content creator from Bristol, was one of many voices opposing the filter. She previously expressed her frustration, saying it made her "want to scream." After the announcement of its removal, Bass took to social media expressing her joy, stating she was "beyond happy" that the filter has been deleted. Her previous advocacy included sharing a viral video that achieved over 618,000 views, where she confronted the harmful messaging of the trend: "Why are you acting like being fat is the worst thing in the world?" This evident emotional reaction underscores the filter's detrimental implications for those affected.
Experts have chimed in as well, highlighting the dangerous messages perpetuated by the filter. Food and nutrition scientist Dr. Emma Beckett elaborated to the BBC, indicating that such trends act as a "huge step backwards" in the fight for body positivity. According to her, these tactics reinforce false stereotypes about larger individuals being lazy or flawed, and something to be avoided, which can fuel unhealthy obsessions with weight and appearance.
Dr. Beckett's concerns extend beyond social media ramifications. She emphasized that the fear of weight gain is linked to eating disorders and body dissatisfaction that pervade many aspects of modern society. "It’s just the same old false stereotypes and tropes about people in larger bodies being lazy and flawed," she stated. "These perceptions are damaging and contribute to toxic diet culture, making people obsess over food and exercise in unhealthy ways. They open up individuals to scam products and fad diets that promise unrealistic results."
Following the backlash, TikTok’s management acknowledged the role of their sister app, CapCut, in the filter's development. Despite being separate applications, both belong to ByteDance, the industry giant that facilitates both platforms. Upon further investigation, searching for the filter now prompts a disclaimer stating, "You are more than your weight. If you or someone you know has questions about body image, food, or exercise — it is important to know that help is out there and you are not alone.” This statement reflects an understanding of the broader implications surrounding body image in the digital age.
The withdrawal of the filter marks a notable moment in social media culture, showcasing the significant power of consumer feedback in shaping policies that affect users’ mental health and well-being. The voices of content creators and health experts alike have demonstrated that social media platforms wield immense influence and must take responsibility for the content they curate.
While the removal of the "chubby filter" is an important step, it raises further questions about the ongoing battle against harmful beauty standards in the digital landscape. As discussions about body positivity and mental wellness continue to evolve, TikTok’s decision serves as a reminder of the critical need for accountability in both technology and media practices.
Concerned users, advocates, and health professionals remain attentive as TikTok and other platforms navigate content moderation and their influence on society’s perceptions of body image. The hope remains that this action will not only impact further policies on TikTok but also incite change across various social media landscapes.
