Story perspectives

Teen “Looksmaxxing” Classified as Eating Disorder, Experts Warn

5/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Clinicians label looksmaxxing among teenage boys as a form of eating disorders and body-dysmorphic disorder.
Mental-health experts say trend spreads on TikTok and Kick and is not covered by moderation policies.
The practice involves dangerous methods such as amphetamine use for appetite suppression and extreme facial-bone alteration.
Experts urge parents, educators and platforms to create guidelines, provide National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) resources and treat looksmaxxing as a mental-health issue.

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Story summary

Clinicians label looksmaxxing among teenage boys as a form of eating disorders and body-dysmorphic disorder.
Mental-health experts say trend spreads on TikTok and Kick and is not covered by moderation policies.
The practice involves dangerous methods such as amphetamine use for appetite suppression and extreme facial-bone alteration.
Experts urge parents, educators and platforms to create guidelines, provide National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) resources and treat looksmaxxing as a mental-health issue.