A controversial filter that artificially altered users’ appearances to make them look overweight has been removed from TikTok after widespread criticism. The filter, dubbed the “chubby filter,” used artificial intelligence (AI) to modify a person’s image, making it appear as though they had gained weight.
The removal follows significant backlash from users and experts, who argued that the filter promoted body shaming and contributed to harmful societal beauty standards. Some experts warned that such trends could perpetuate weight stigma, fuel toxic diet culture, and even contribute to the development of eating disorders.
Filter sparks outrage on social media
Many TikTok users had shared “before and after” images using the filter, often joking about their altered appearance. However, a growing number of people voiced concerns that the filter was offensive and damaging, particularly to those struggling with body image issues.
Sadie, a TikTok creator from Bristol with over 66,000 followers, was among those calling for the filter to be removed.
“It’s definitely a step in the right direction,” she said following the decision. “I’m happy that TikTok listened because social media should be a fun, lighthearted place—not somewhere where you get ridiculed for how you look.”
Sadie also revealed that she had received messages from women who felt so negatively impacted by the trend that they had deleted TikTok from their phones.
Experts warn of harmful effects
Dr Emma Beckett, a food and nutrition scientist, expressed deep concerns over the potential impact of the filter, stating that it played into dangerous stereotypes about body weight.
“It’s a huge step backwards in terms of reducing weight stigma,” Dr Beckett explained. “It reinforces outdated and false stereotypes that people in larger bodies are lazy or flawed, and that gaining weight is something to be desperately avoided.”
She warned that the fear of weight gain, exacerbated by trends like this, could have significant consequences.
“This fear contributes to eating disorders, body dissatisfaction, and fuels toxic diet culture. It can make people obsess over food and exercise in unhealthy ways, leaving them vulnerable to fad diets and harmful products.”
TikTok takes action
TikTok confirmed that the filter had not been created by the platform itself but had been uploaded via CapCut, a video editing app owned by TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance. Despite this, TikTok has since reviewed content featuring the filter, preventing these videos from being recommended on the platform and blocking them from appearing on accounts used by teenagers.
The platform also stated that any videos that breached its community guidelines—such as those containing bullying or harassment—would be removed entirely.
Users call for stricter controls
Despite the removal of the filter, many users remain frustrated that such AI-generated features continue to appear on social media platforms.
Nina, a TikTok user from North Wales, believes filters like this contribute to unrealistic beauty standards and reinforce the idea that a person’s worth is tied to their appearance.
“This is a toxic view that I thought we were moving away from,” she said. “If a filter is clearly offensive, it should be removed before it becomes a trend—not after.”
Emma, from Ayr, Scotland, echoed these concerns.
“My first thought when I saw the ‘chubby filter’ was how damaging it could be,” she said. “People were basically saying they looked disgusting because they were ‘chubby.’ As a curvier woman who essentially looks like the ‘after’ photo of this filter, it was disheartening for me.”
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The role of AI in social media
AI-generated filters have become increasingly popular on TikTok and other social media platforms, with many being used purely for fun. However, some filters—like the ‘chubby filter’—have raised concerns about their psychological impact.
A journalist who investigated the trend noted that after viewing just one video featuring the filter, TikTok’s algorithm began recommending similar content, including another AI effect that made users appear thinner.
This rapid exposure to body-altering content highlights the potential dangers of AI-driven algorithms and the responsibility platforms have in regulating them.
The need for stricter regulation
The removal of the ‘chubby filter’ is a victory for body positivity advocates, but many argue that more needs to be done.
Dr Beckett believes social media platforms must take a more proactive approach in ensuring harmful trends don’t gain traction.
“It’s not enough to remove something after it has already caused harm,” she said. “Platforms need to be far more careful about the features they allow to be uploaded in the first place.”
Many campaigners are now calling for stricter regulations on AI-generated content, particularly those that could negatively impact users’ mental health.
For now, TikTok’s decision to remove the filter has been widely welcomed, but it remains to be seen how the platform will handle similar controversies in the future.
