Liv Schmidt, a 22-year-old influencer recently banned from TikTok for promoting unhealthy lifestyle choices, is once again under fire, this time for her controversial money-saving hack: purchasing clothing from the children’s section. Schmidt’s online presence has been criticized for glamorizing disordered eating and perpetuating harmful body image ideals.
Schmidt was removed from TikTok in late September due to her promotion of a dangerously thin aesthetic and her endorsement of extreme weight-loss methods. Her content has consistently featured meals that reflect an unhealthy relationship with food, including her notorious “skinny girl breakfast,” which consists solely of protein shakes and electrolyte mixes, as outlined in her Amazon List. Critics argue that her videos promote unrealistic and harmful standards of beauty.
In her latest video, Schmidt flaunted a skirt she bought from Zara’s children’s line, boasting a price difference of $35 compared to the adult version. “The biggest money-saving hack when shopping is children’s clothing,” she stated, noting that designer kids’ shirts often cost significantly less than their adult counterparts. She referred to a $200 shirt designed for children compared to a $1,000 adult version. This money-saving tip, while practical in theory, drew ire from many who found her approach problematic given her history of promoting an unhealthy lifestyle.
After facing backlash for her purchasing advice, Schmidt pivoted her content to discuss obesity in America, all while drawing attention to her own physique. In a video showcasing her outfit, she declared, “In a world where you can be anything, be skinni,” implying that her flat stomach was her ultimate accessory. To further evade content moderation, Schmidt has started using the misspelled term “skinni” in her posts.
While she attempts to present herself as a savvy shopper, many users on platforms like X have called out her troubling influence on impressionable audiences. One user remarked, “I like her tips, but she is an awful person. She said some vile things in our skinny girl group chat.” Another echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Liv Schmidt triggers me so much, and this video is definitely going to stay stuck in my head.” These comments highlight the growing concern over the potential impact of her content on young viewers, particularly those struggling with their body image.
Despite the criticism, Schmidt continues to maintain that she has never struggled with an eating disorder. However, she does acknowledge feeling uncomfortable in her body due to her generalized anxiety disorder since childhood. This admission raises questions about her understanding of mental health and its connection to body image, especially given her promotion of potentially dangerous behaviors.
The online community remains divided over Schmidt’s content. While some applaud her shopping hacks, many others express concern about the underlying messages in her videos. The backlash she faces underscores the responsibility influencers hold in shaping perceptions of health, beauty, and self-worth among their followers. As discussions about body positivity and mental health gain traction, it is crucial for social media platforms to reevaluate how they handle content that promotes unhealthy lifestyles.
