Why are people on TikTok freaking out about ‘flared ribs’?

Where’s the line between health and vanity?

Septum arms. Prey eyes. American Girl Doll legs. B bellies. Cortisol face. What are we even talking about on TikTok anymore? Every time I find out that some bone or skin roll or facial feature has been renamed online, I feel like I’m actually losing my mind.

In an Ozempic-fuelled, influencer-dominated ecosystem, it’s not surprising that every perceived flaw on our bodies is pointed out, magnified and thrust into public discourse to be ‘solved’ with a cream, supplement or workout routine from a sponsored post. But oh my god, I’m so tired.

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Most recently, I was ruthlessly targeted by the phrase ‘flared ribs’, which was just great for my self-esteem, because the shoe seemed to fit. Before being cursed with the knowledge of this term, I always assumed my ribcage was just like that. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t think about it much either.

Put simply, flared ribs protrude and appear pulled upwards. People with flared ribs can typically see their ribs sticking out, especially when reaching their arms overhead or lying down. The main thing I noticed is that when I lie on the ground for Pilates class, there’s a gap between my lower back and the mat (which has been the bane of every instructor’s existence).

However, the main complaint online is that, aesthetically, people with flared ribs don’t look completely flat from the side and may appear to have wider waists due to the protusion. But are flared ribs actually a flaw? And, more importantly, should you be worried if you have them?

What causes flared ribs?

Technically speaking, ‘rib flare’ isn’t a term coined by body dysmorphic influencers. Flared ribs are, in fact, a documented condition and can be treated by physios if needed.

One cause of rib flare is a muscle imbalance. Having a weak or unstable core can put you at risk for developing flared ribs, but having overactive muscles can, too. 

By ‘overactive muscles’, I don’t mean ones that are overworked at the gym. Your diaphragm is your primary breathing muscle. When you don’t employ your diaphragm effectively, other muscles have to jump in to support it. When these muscles work overtime to regulate your breathing, you may notice your ribs start to flare over time.

Bad posture is also to blame for the flared-rib epidemic (and is almost certainly the culprit in my case). Flared ribs can come from sitting or standing with rounded shoulders or an excessively arched back – AKA, sticking your bum out.

Pregnancy, physical trauma and pectus deformities may also be responsible for rib flare. But, and I’m sure you saw this coming, genetics also play a massive role in what your ribs look like.

A common misconception online is that flared ribs are caused by ‘stomach sucking’ or ‘stomach gripping’, which, as victims of toxic diet culture, most of us have done at least once. However, sucking your stomach in is more likely to be associated with hourglass syndrome, which is a totally different (and potentially more serious) thing. 

Do I need to fix my rib flare?

Flared ribs seem to be a chicken-or-the-egg type of situation. Many of the things that cause rib flare (core instability, inefficient breathing, poor posture) can also contribute to it and can potentially lead to a higher risk of injury as you age. While an overall mild health concern, it’s always worth hedging your bets and addressing issues like rib flare early on.

A physio can teach you exercises that strengthen your core and postural muscles. They may also give you tips on diaphragmatic breathing and stretching. If you’re really lucky, you may even get a sports massage.

However, based purely on gut feeling, I suspect most users complaining about rib flare are less concerned with potential health issues and more preoccupied with looking slightly wider in their tight T-shirts. Medical terms are often thrown around so that people can critique how they or other people look under the guise of ‘health’.

Look, I get it. As someone who has been, to quote our Lorde and saviour, at war with my body, I understand that picking yourself apart in the mirror is perhaps the most tempting and simple of vices. But at some point, we all need to take a step back and think critically about allowing the minutiae of our appearances to add up to the person we imagine ourselves to be. 

No one looks at you and thinks, “There goes a collection of Irish curls, Pilates arms, hip dips and flared ribs.” If they’re not entirely insane, they think of you as a whole human being. So, why not try thinking of yourself that way, too?

For more on getting and maintaining good posture, head here.