TikTok has removed a viral filter that artificially made users appear overweight following widespread criticism and concerns over body shaming. The move came after a BBC report highlighted the controversy surrounding the AI-generated effect.
Backlash Over ‘Chubby Filter’
The filter, uploaded by CapCut—an editing app owned by TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance—used artificial intelligence to alter a person’s appearance, making them look as though they had gained weight. While some users shared their “before and after” images as a joke, others condemned the filter, calling it harmful and reinforcing negative body stereotypes.
Critics argued that the filter contributed to body shaming and could have a damaging impact on mental health. Experts also warned that such trends could fuel a toxic diet culture and potentially trigger eating disorders.
Following the backlash, TikTok confirmed it had removed the filter and was reviewing videos that featured the effect. The company stated that content violating its community guidelines, including bullying or harassment, would be taken down, while videos using the filter would not be recommended to users or shown to teen accounts.
Calls for Action
One of the most vocal critics of the filter was TikTok creator Sadie, who has 66,000 followers. She described the filter as “mean” and said it promoted the idea that being thin is superior.
“It felt like girls saying, ‘Oh, I’ve won because I’m skinny, and wouldn’t it be the worst thing ever to be fat?'” said the 29-year-old from Bristol.
Sadie revealed that some women told her they had deleted TikTok because the filter made them feel bad about their bodies. “I just don’t feel like people should be ridiculed for their body just for opening an app,” she added.
Dr. Emma Beckett, a food and nutrition scientist, echoed these concerns, calling the trend “a huge step backwards” in the fight against weight stigma.
“It’s the same old false stereotypes—people in larger bodies being lazy or flawed, and something to be desperately avoided,” she said. “This kind of fear contributes to eating disorders and body dissatisfaction, fuels toxic diet culture, and makes people obsess over food and exercise in unhealthy ways.”
Social Media’s Role in Body Image Issues
Several TikTok users spoke out about their discomfort with the filter before its removal.
Nina, from North Wales, criticized the trend for tying self-worth to physical appearance. “This is a toxic view that I thought we were moving away from,” she said.
Emma, from Ayr, expressed how damaging the filter was to those who naturally have curvier bodies. “People were basically saying they looked disgusting because they were ‘chubby.’ As someone who essentially looks like the ‘after’ photo, it was disheartening.”
She also raised concerns about TikTok’s algorithm, explaining that after viewing a single video featuring the filter, she was recommended similar content, including an AI tool that makes users appear thinner.
The Impact of AI Filters
AI-generated filters have become common on TikTok, often embraced for entertainment in the same way that Snapchat filters were by previous generations. However, experts warn that filters that alter body size and appearance can have serious consequences for self-esteem and mental health.
“These filters may seem like harmless fun, but they encourage people to compare themselves to an unrealistic version of themselves,” Emma said.
TikTok’s decision to remove the filter marks a step toward addressing these concerns, but the controversy highlights the ongoing debate about the platform’s role in shaping beauty standards and self-image.
