Social Media Influencer Earns £220K Monthly Healing Ugliness

Oscar Patel, a 20-year-old social media personality with over one million followers, has become a prominent figure in the world of "thumb pulling" – a technique where individuals press their thumbs against the roof of their mouths for extended periods. With arms raised and elbows facing the camera, Patel demonstrates this method, claiming it can restore jawlines and improve overall health. He asserts that humans are biologically programmed to select the healthiest mates, and his techniques are designed to help people achieve this.

Patel, a former student at Marlborough College, is now reportedly earning around £220,000 per month through his online content. His videos have gained popularity within the "incel" community, which consists of individuals who are involuntarily celibate. However, medical professionals have raised concerns about the legitimacy of his claims and the potential harm caused by his methods.

In his videos, Patel claims to have interned at the Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences (AAMS) in Los Angeles, a non-profit organization that hosts international conferences. Myofunctional therapy, which involves exercises to correct breathing, swallowing, and chewing disorders, has been practiced for decades. However, Samantha Weaver, a founding member of AAMS and director of the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT), has denied any association with Patel. She warned that he is exploiting the academy's name to gain credibility and attract followers.

Weaver told The Telegraph that Patel is preying on appearance anxiety fueled by social media. She stated that he is not trained in myofunctional therapy and could cause physical and psychological harm if people follow his unverified advice. She emphasized that proper training is essential to identify and treat underlying conditions, and that Patel's approach lacks scientific evidence.

"It’s a cult inside social media," Weaver said. She noted that many young people, including those as young as 14, are engaging with Patel's content and seeking ways to enhance their appearance. Concerned parents have reached out to her, reporting that their children have paid hundreds of pounds for Patel's services.

Weaver also highlighted the growing trend of "looksmaxxing," where disaffected young men seek to improve their perceived attractiveness through extreme measures. She criticized Patel for promoting the idea that his methods are a "golden ticket" to success, warning that such rhetoric can be harmful and misleading.

Patel has claimed to have undergone significant transformations, including fixing asthma, sleep apnoea, crooked teeth, and other health issues without surgery. He has also attributed improvements in acne, dandruff, and gut health to his techniques.

Grant McIntyre, vice-president of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, has questioned the effectiveness of Patel's methods. He told The Telegraph that Patel's claims about conventional orthodontics being outdated are not supported by credible evidence. McIntyre emphasized that there is no scientific data to back Patel's assertions about improving conditions like asthma or gut health.

Ash Mosahebi, a consultant and academic lead at Royal Free Hospital, echoed these concerns, stating that Patel's teachings lack a scientific basis. He pointed to the rise of pseudoscience and commercial interests driving the popularity of health gurus on social media.

Patel directs users to his profile on Skool, a platform for creators to monetize their content. Subscribers pay $39 per month for access to his community, which has over 7,500 members. At this rate, Patel could earn more than $290,000 monthly. His content promotes the idea that individuals are only operating at 40% of their genetic potential, encouraging followers to take action to unlock their full potential.

Patel's rise mirrors that of Dr. John Mew, whose "orthotropics" theory gained traction in the 1970s and 1980s. Mew believed that mouth breathing in infancy could lead to facial deformities and promoted methods such as clamping patients' faces in masks. His son, Mike Mew, continued his father's teachings and advocated DIY tongue exercises. Despite being struck off the General Dental Council’s register, Mike Mew helped popularize the concept of "Mewing."

Mike Mew has endorsed Patel on social media, stating that he has "nailed it" despite lacking formal qualifications. Patel has not yet responded to requests for comment.