What Role Does Social Media Play in Normalising Overeating Challenges? 

Parenting Perspective 

Children today are constantly exposed to social media content showcasing large meals, mukbangs, food challenges, or influencers eating excessive amounts. The emotional core here is curiosity mixed with a desire to belong. Many children fear missing out or being judged if they do not participate in what they see online. This environment can normalise overeating, making it seem fun, aspirational, or even necessary to imitate peers and influencers. Helping children navigate this requires awareness, conversation, and practical guidance without creating shame or fear around food. 

Name the Influence and Explain Marketing 

Begin by acknowledging your child’s feelings and then gently explaining the commercial reality behind the content. 

• Validate Excitement: ‘I see you find those food videos exciting; it looks like so much fun and is designed to grab your attention.’ 

• Explain Exaggeration: Gently explain that what they see online is often exaggerated or staged. Many influencers are paid to showcase extreme portions, and these videos are designed to attract views, not reflect healthy habits. 

Parent script: ‘Just because someone eats five burgers in a video does not mean it is good for your body. Their goal is entertainment, not health.’ 

Encourage Mindful and Critical Engagement 

Teach children to pause and think critically before acting or imitating. Practise mindful eating at home together, modelling small portions, slow chewing, and gratitude. 

• Critical Questions: Encourage them to ask themselves: ‘Am I eating because I am truly hungry, or because I want to copy someone online?’ 

• Discernment Practice: Parents can say: ‘We can enjoy a small portion and still appreciate our food fully, just like we should appreciate our body’s real needs.’ 

This practice helps them develop discernment between healthy enjoyment and imitating excess. 

Set Healthy Boundaries and Alternatives 

Social media exposure should be managed with empathy and practicality. Limit content that promotes extreme eating while providing alternative sources of inspiration. 

• Alternative Content: Look for cooking tutorials, balanced meal ideas, or family-friendly food activities. 

• Positive Challenges: Involve children in preparing meals or challenges that emphasise portion control, creativity, and taste, rather than volume. 

This empowers them to find fun and engagement in food preparation without compromising their health. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam encourages moderation (Tawazun), self-awareness, and respect for the body as a trust (Amanah) from Allah Almighty. The desire to imitate excessive behaviour online can lead to both physical harm and spiritual negligence. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Israa (17), Verse 27: 

‘Indeed, those who are extravagant (i.e. wasteful of their wealth) these are the brothers of the Satan, as the Satan has always been ungrateful to his Sustainer.’ 

This verse reminds children that extravagance and careless imitation of excess, even when popular on social media, contradict the values of moderation and gratitude. Parents can frame this teaching in practical terms: ‘Just because everyone online is doing it does not mean we should follow. Allah Almighty wants us to take care of our bodies and not waste what He has blessed us with.’ 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3349, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat a few morsels to keep him going.’ 

This Hadith provides a timeless standard for moderation. By connecting social media awareness to these spiritual principles, parents can help children develop resilience against peer pressure, recognise the value of mindful consumption, and choose actions that protect both health and faith. 

Guiding children to critically assess online food trends equips them with the tools to resist normalised overeating challenges, honour their bodies as a trust from Allah Almighty, and practise gratitude for the sustenance they are blessed with.