TikTok's viral 'fear food challenge' is putting people in danger: Here's how

TikTok and other social media platforms have emerged with a new unusual challenge known as the 'fear food challenge'.

TikTok's viral 'fear food challenge'

This trend is designed to help people struggling with eating disorders. However, experts have warned that attempting such trends may worsen mental health conditions and can lead to triggering behaviours. The trend involves a person to test their courage by randomly choosing a food item from a "fear food jar" and then eating it in front of the camera. The foods in that jar are mostly junk, processed and high in calories.

While eating disorders can strike anyone at any age, they typically start in young adults (up to 24 years old) and teenagers (10 to 19 years old).

Individuals with medical conditions that impact appetite and digestion, such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and diabetes, are at a higher risk of developing eating disorders.

Treatments that focus on psychological aspects, like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), are the primary options for addressing eating disorders.

Neha Cadabam, senior psychologist and executive director at Cadabams Hospitals and Mindtalk, told Indian Express, “For people with eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia, these challenges can be incredibly triggering. They can lead to a rollercoaster of emotions, from intense anxiety and guilt to shame and even relapse into harmful behaviours. It’s like poking a wound that’s trying to heal.”

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