A worrying new trend that has emerged on TikTok has experts concerned about the health of many people suffering from eating disorders. The #fearfoodchallenge has gone viral on the social media platform, with users filming themselves eating foods they would normally avoid.
Originally intended as an exposure therapy technique to help people recovering from such conditions, the challenge has garnered nearly 500 million views to date.
Following this trend, people in recovery from eating disorders test their courage by drawing random foods from a “jar of scary foods” — and then eating the foods they're most afraid to eat, such as hamburgers or highly processed foods like chocolate.
But experts warn that without the right professional guidance and support, this social media phenomenon could even exacerbate mental health issues and lead to harmful behaviour.
Neha Kadavam, senior psychologist and executive director, Kadavam Hospital and Mindtalk, told indianexpress.com: “For someone with an eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia, these challenges can be incredibly triggering. They can be caught in a rollercoaster of emotions, from intense anxiety and guilt to shame and even relapse into harmful behaviours. It's like poking at the wounds you're trying to heal.”
Why is expert supervision important?
You may have heard the term “exposure therapy,” in which a therapist carefully and gradually exposes people to their fears in order to help them overcome them. “But to be clear, the Scary Food Challenge is not therapy. It's a wild tale of exposure without professional supervision or support,” says Kadavam.
She stresses that therapists are trained to guide patients through the process safely and ensure they are given the tools to cope.
For people with eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia, these challenges can be incredibly motivating. (Source: Freepik)
How does this challenge impact an individual's nutritional status and recovery from an eating disorder?
According to Ipshita Chakraborty, senior nutritionist at Hungry Koala, “For people recovering from an eating disorder, this challenge may be more about fear than food. Tackling it alone could lead to poor eating habits and actually exacerbate food anxiety.”
Expert guidance is key to recovery, she says: “Expert guidance can help you create a safe space to face your fears around food while making sure you're getting the nutrients your body needs.”
Speaking about the impact of negative social media reactions on the mental health of those taking part in the scary food challenge, Kadavam says words can be hurtful, especially when they are already feeling vulnerable. “Negative comments can compound feelings of shame and self-doubt, making recovery more difficult for people with eating disorders.”
The importance of nutritional management in the recovery process from eating disorders
To overcome your fear of consuming certain foods, Chakraborty recommends consulting a registered dietitian or therapist to develop a personalized plan: “They can create a structured eating plan to help you address your anxieties while still getting the good stuff your body craves.”
This, she says, also helps in the following ways:
* Restore your body to normal: Provide essential nutrients to get your body functioning at its best again.
* Boost your mood: Balanced nutrition can make a big difference in your mood and mental health.
* Build lifelong healthy habits: Learn how to eat in a way that feels good and is sustainable in the long term.
