Eating Disorders · Texas behavioral health news
YouTube still recommending eating disorder videos to teens, research finds - BBC
Eating Disorders (Google News) · July 13, 2026
In plain language
Recent research shows that YouTube's recommendation system still suggests videos about extreme dieting and eating disorders to teenage users. While the number of these harmful recommendations has decreased over the last two years, about one in ten suggested videos still features dangerous content like extreme calorie restriction. Tech experts and regulators are concerned that these automated suggestions can push vulnerable young people toward harmful behaviors. Social media companies now face stricter legal duties to protect children from content that promotes self-harm or eating disorders.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- YouTube's algorithm still recommends harmful eating disorder content to one in ten teenage users.
- Harmful videos identified in the study included extreme low-calorie diets and content idealizing extreme thinness.
- While the frequency of harmful recommendations has improved since 2024, risks remain for vulnerable young people.
- New laws require social media platforms to protect users under 18 from content promoting eating disorders.
- None of the harmful videos recommended in the study triggered the platform's official crisis help panels.
- Experts suggest users can report harmful content, block specific accounts, or use apps that limit time spent online.
YouTube still recommending eating disorder videos to teens, research finds BBC
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