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Influencer Liv Schmidt has spoken out following her impromptu ban from TikTok after posting several controversial weight loss videos.
The 22-year-old social media star, known for her “What I Eat in a Day” videos and “Skinny Girl Essentials” tips, amassed thousands of followers on TikTok after cultivating a community of hard-working women obsessed with maintaining their weight. From her curated Amazon store stocked with dietary supplements, ankle weights and protein powders to countless videos highlighting tips and tricks for avoiding weight gain, Schmidt’s brand has largely been built around body image — though she is neither a certified nutritionist nor a health expert.
While the young professional has maintained a large following, many online viewers have found her content not only controversial but also highly provocative. On Reddit, anonymous users have confessed to reporting her TikTok account multiple times for violating community guidelines with posts about “eating disorders.” Others have accused her of “rage mongering,” posting videos meant to annoy and frustrate netizens in order to increase views on her profile.
“I want better for our youth,” wrote one Reddit user, suggesting her content was “dangerous” to young TikTokers who might look to her as a role model.
Following his ban from TikTok last week, Schmidt expressed his confusion over the sudden block in a recent interview withThe Wall Street JournalAlthough a TikTok representative had cited “community standards violations” as the reason for Schmidt’s account being removed, the influencer argued that she was trying to create a “genuine” space.
Talking to him WSJ newspaperSchmidt admitted that she is aware of how easy it is to fall victim to societal pressures around body image and appearance. For her, attending the University of Arizona as an undergraduate amplified her own insecurities.
“If you look around and everyone around you is blonde and skinny, you’re definitely going to feel more peer pressure to fit that stereotype,” she told the outlet. Now, Schmidt considers her “personal aesthetic” to be “skinny,” regardless of whether or not her college environment influenced her.
To a large extent, Schmidt's desire to “save America from obesity, one person at a time,” as stated in his now-deleted TikTok bio, according to WSJ newspaper – stems from her previous struggle to feel confident about her body. While she acknowledged that the topic of weight loss can be “sensitive,” she said she feels motivated to share it based on her own experiences.
“Weight is a sensitive topic, but that’s what viewers want,” she said. “A lot of people want to know what people eat. I’m honest about how hard it is.” Asked why she thinks her content has been “successful” on the app, Schmidt said: “I don’t have any off-limits foods. I don’t eat dairy. I’m not vegan. I don’t eat gluten. I’m not a health fanatic.”
However, critics have argued against her rhetoric. Many users have described her content – such as her “How to Stay Skinny on a 9-to-5” and “How to Avoid 30 Pounds of Freshman Weight” videos – as well as her Skinny Group Community Chat, which costs $9.99 per month in subscription fees, as “savage” and “disgusting.”
“There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t thank God that I didn’t download TikTok until I was 20 and that I lived my teenage years during that six-year period in the mid-2010s when overtly pro-ED rhetoric in the media was looked down upon,” one honest Reddit user confessed.
Schmidt doesn’t mind the negative noise surrounding her. In fact, she has already created a new account after being banned from TikTok. “We all have the option to follow and block whatever content we want,” she said.
The Independent has reached out to Schmidt and TikTok for further comment.
For anyone struggling with the issues raised in this article, the eating disorders charity DefeatThe NCFED Helpline is available 365 days a year on 0808 801 0677. NCFED provides information, resources and advice for those suffering from eating disorders, as well as their support networks. Visit Eating disorders.org.uk or call 0845 838 2040
If you are experiencing feelings of distress or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, confidentially, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email [email protected] or visit the Samaritans website. Samaritans Website to find details of the nearest branch.
If you are in the U.S. and you or someone you know needs mental health support right now, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
