Margot Robbie, the acclaimed Australian actress known for her performances in films like Barbie and I, Tonya, has been making waves again — not just for her work, but for her post-baby body that’s become the subject of public obsession. After giving birth to her first child with husband Tom Ackerley in October 2024, Margot has stepped back onto the red carpet, promoting her new romance drama, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, alongside co-star Colin Farrell.

While many fans have celebrated her return to the spotlight, a more concerning trend is quietly gaining traction online — one that reveals the darker side of body image culture in the age of social media.

Admiration Turns Unhealthy: A Disturbing Trend Online

Images of Margot Robbie’s post-pregnancy body have gone viral in recent weeks, as the 35-year-old actress appears radiant and toned in a series of designer gowns during film promotions. While some praise her transformation as inspiring, others have taken their admiration to an extreme, spawning a frightening trend that promotes dangerous eating habits in pursuit of rapid weight loss.

Numerous videos on platforms like Instagram and TikTok now feature women jokingly — or seriously — revealing that after seeing Robbie’s appearance, their “meal” consists only of ice cubes, black coffee, or air. Often accompanied by captions like “breakfast after seeing Margot Robbie last night,” these clips may seem humorous on the surface, but they reflect a deep-rooted issue: the normalization of disordered eating.

Influencers Speak Out: Setting the Record Straight

One content creator, known online as Love Lucy Claire, has stepped forward to address this alarming movement. The South African influencer, who is also navigating postpartum life, posted a powerful response video that quickly gained attention. In it, she serves herself a generous portion of beef stew and rice, while addressing the trend directly.

“There is this trend going around where girls show themselves eating things like ice or air for breakfast after seeing Margot Robbie walking the red carpet,” she says. “It’s kind of a joke but also not really. I just want to set the record straight: you don’t get into good shape through starvation.”

Her message, though directed at a specific trend, taps into a broader conversation about postpartum bodies, celebrity worship, and the dangerous consequences of comparing oneself to idealized images — especially in a digital world saturated with curated perfection.

The Danger of the “Ice or Air” Diet

The trend of showcasing non-existent meals is more than just internet satire. It reveals a growing desperation among viewers, particularly young women, who feel inadequate in the face of celebrity standards. Some viewers begin to view extreme calorie restriction or skipping meals entirely as legitimate strategies to lose weight fast — a mindset that experts warn is both physically and mentally harmful.

Lucy Claire breaks it down in her video:

“Not eating well — as in, not eating protein, carbs, and fat — can often lead to a binge/restrict cycle, which increases inflammation, reduces energy, and affects your body’s ability to build and repair itself.”

Her words reflect research-backed realities. Restrictive eating doesn’t lead to sustainable results. Instead, it weakens the body, fuels anxiety and depression, and often triggers disordered behaviors that are difficult to recover from.

How Starvation Impacts the Body and Mind

According to Lucy, the problem with restriction isn’t just physical — it’s deeply emotional.

“The more starved you are, the more threatened your body feels, and the sadder and harder life becomes. It’s so difficult to gain mastery over tasks and feel a sense of accomplishment when your body is underfed.”

In essence, hunger affects more than your weight. It impacts mental clarity, emotional regulation, and even your ability to enjoy life’s moments. Many who fall into these patterns begin to withdraw socially, avoiding events and celebrations because they involve food — a core aspect of connection and community.

Lucy adds:

“Despite all of the hardship of restriction, coming back to food is not easy at all. Because it means you no longer have anywhere to hide. You have to face your emotions and other traumas, which is really difficult — but also so liberating.”

Celebrity Pressure and the Postpartum Narrative

The situation highlights a recurring issue: how celebrity bodies, especially after childbirth, are held up as “goals,” regardless of how unrealistic or contextually inappropriate those standards may be.

While Margot Robbie has not promoted or encouraged any specific weight loss methods, her return to the spotlight has, unintentionally, become a trigger for many women dealing with postpartum body image struggles. The comparison trap is intensified by viral images, flattering angles, and media coverage that often focuses more on appearance than achievement.

It’s important to note that every body is different, and postpartum recovery varies greatly. Some women bounce back quickly due to genetics, access to personal trainers, or specific health routines — while others require more time, support, and rest. Both experiences are valid.

A Call for Realistic Health Goals

Lucy Claire’s video strikes a chord because it doesn’t shame people for wanting to look or feel better — it challenges the method. Rather than starving oneself to chase someone else’s body, she encourages her audience to nourish their bodies and work toward sustainable wellness.

“Recovery is a painful process, but it’s also powerful. Try inviting nourishment and vitality back into your life,” she concludes.

Her approach reinforces that health isn’t about extremes. It’s about balance, consistency, and most importantly, kindness toward yourself.

What We Can Learn From This Moment

This situation serves as a reminder of the immense influence that public figures like Margot Robbie hold — even unintentionally. It also emphasizes the need for media literacy in an age where viral trends often go unquestioned.

For those struggling with body image or disordered eating, the solution is never found in comparison, deprivation, or shame. Instead, it lies in education, support, and community — like the one Lucy is helping to foster online.

Final Thoughts

The buzz around Margot Robbie’s post-baby body may have started with admiration, but it has evolved into a larger discussion about body image, diet culture, and self-worth in the age of social media. While Robbie continues to shine on the red carpet, it’s crucial for fans and followers to remember that health isn’t about looking like someone else — it’s about taking care of yourself.

Let this be a moment not of imitation, but of reflection — and a chance to choose a healthier, more compassionate path forward.