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“I will explode your butthole with this poopmaxxer pesto,” a calm Gen Z voice declared from my phone. “And don’t worry, it doesn’t taste like poop, unless that’s your thing … I don’t know if Italians will approve of this, but it’s for my … a-butt-a-hole-a!”

What followed was surprisingly a solid recipe. Two cups of blanched peas blended into a classic pesto, delivering 18 grams of fiber. My spouse’s bewildered expression was priceless as the video looped while I cooked.

Not all TikTok fiber enthusiasts are as bizarrely entertaining as @hallysicle, the self-proclaimed “chaotic wellness” creator behind the poopmaxxer pesto. Her unique blend of deadpan humor, cottagecore aesthetics, and genuinely good recipes is all her own. However, many TikTok fiber advocates are delightfully eccentric in their promotion of this often-overlooked macronutrient.

Take Liam, the friendly nutritional myth-buster known as “the Bean Guy,” who’s a regular in the comments of any bean recipe. He once appeared as a ghostly beanfather. Then there’s Fiber Daddy, a no-nonsense influencer who chastises you for tossing out your broccoli stems and claims to poop four times a day while selling a supplement called Liquid Salad. Surprisingly, even healthcare professionals are joining the fiber craze.

With about 95 percent of Americans not meeting their daily fiber needs, you’d think fibermaxxing would be universally beneficial. But, as with many internet trends, “maxxing” doesn’t always paint the full picture.

So, why the sudden obsession with fiber and bowel health? It’s not just one reason; it’s a mix of broader health trends colliding with influencer culture.

Consider the rise of GLP-1 medications. The so-called Ozempic economy is a major factor driving the demand for fresh foods and protein-rich diets. Since GLP-1s can suppress appetite, those on these medications must focus on protein and fiber to avoid muscle loss and manage gastrointestinal side effects. This trend is affecting a growing number of people, with a recent survey showing GLP-1 usage in the U.S. jumped from 3 percent to 11 percent in just two years.

Additionally, there’s been an increase in videos from young adults sharing their experiences with colon cancer, often supported by social media-savvy gastroenterologists and dietitians raising awareness about early symptoms. While there are various reasons for the rise in colorectal cancer, a fiber-rich diet is frequently highlighted as a protective factor compared to the typical American diet.

The alarming reality is that this isn’t just fearmongering; a recent study revealed that mortality rates from colorectal cancer in individuals under 50 have been rising by 1.1 percent annually since 2005, making it the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in this age group. Today, the American Cancer Society estimates that 45 percent of new diagnoses are in people under 65, a significant increase from 27 percent in 1995.

Given all this, it’s clear that fiber (and the act of pooping) is on many people’s minds, making it a prime topic for online content.

In some ways, this could be beneficial. While some health movements focus on protein—something most Americans don’t lack—fiber is a crucial nutrient that many people don’t get enough of. Simply put, dietary fiber is a type of complex carbohydrate that the body can’t digest, primarily sourced from plant foods. It comes in two forms: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water, forming a gel-like substance that helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, while insoluble fiber adds bulk to stools, easing their passage and preventing constipation.

Beyond these benefits, a high-fiber diet is linked to increased satiety—helpful for weight management—and overall bowel health, reducing the risk of hemorrhoids and supporting beneficial gut bacteria, while also lowering colorectal cancer risk.

However, as with any health trend, more isn’t always better. Not all fiber is created equal.

Most fibermaxxers online focus on whole foods rich in fiber, offering creative ways to incorporate veggies, oats, beans, or leafy greens into busy schedules, often in quirky formats. This type of content is generally harmless, though it does come with a lot of talk about poop and plenty of poop emojis.

Yet, social media often lacks nuance, and it’s only a matter of time before companies start pushing fiber supplements. Three supplements I’ve previously mentioned are already doing this. AG1 has a dedicated fiber page promoting its Essentials Gummies, while Huel offers a fiber boost bundle. Then there’s Grüns, which highlights its 6g of fiber per pack in its marketing. With the food industry increasingly adding protein to products, it wouldn’t be surprising to see fiber-enhanced versions of ultra-processed foods hitting the shelves soon.

As part of a balanced diet, fiber supplements can be useful. The catch is that you need both soluble and insoluble fiber to reap all the benefits. Many supplements focus heavily on soluble fibers like inulin, psyllium husk, or tapioca fiber, which can lead to gas if consumed in excess. While fiber supplements have their place, they’re meant to complement a diet, not replace whole foods.

Speaking of gas, some fibermaxxers are even promoting extreme fiber goals of 60 to 100g per day. Technically, there’s no official upper limit to fiber, but the real limit is what your digestive system can handle. A diverse fiber intake can help reduce gas and bloating, but suddenly ramping up fiber consumption can lead to gastrointestinal issues. The recommended daily fiber intake is about 14 grams per 1,000 calories, translating to 25 to 38g per day depending on age and caloric needs. Health experts generally agree that this is a reasonable target, which should be approached gradually and with plenty of water to ease the transition.

Not everyone can simply increase their fiber intake without caution. Those with conditions like Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or bowel obstructions should consult their doctors. The same goes for individuals on certain medications for thyroid issues, cardiovascular health, diabetes, or depression, as fiber supplements can interfere with absorption and reduce a drug’s effectiveness, making meal timing crucial.

Among all the “maxxing” trends, fibermaxxing has been relatively benign so far. Most dietitians and gastroenterologists would likely welcome more patients asking for advice on increasing fiber intake. However, in the chaotic world of wellness trends, things can escalate quickly. The appeal of “maxxing” often stems from fearmongering—tapping into genuine concerns backed by some science—paired with simple solutions. Social media creators, even those with good intentions, often chase viral sound bites to gain views and secure affiliate deals, while nuance tends to get lost.

The reality is that doctors have been advocating for fiber for decades. Eat a variety of foods. Prioritize whole foods. Ensure you have a serving of veggies with each meal. Choose whole grains over refined ones! These principles could be seen as the original fibermaxxing commandments, and they will remain relevant long after the current fibermaxxing trend fades into the next flashy health craze.