Patricia Krentcil, known as “Tan Mom,” went viral in 2012 after being charged with child endangerment for allegedly taking her 6-year-old daughter into a tanning booth. Although she was never convicted, the case made global headlines and highlighted concerns about tanorexia, an obsession with tanning.
Patricia’s tanning habit began at 23, and she reportedly tanned up to five times a week. Dermatologists later described her case as extreme and potentially linked to body dysmorphic disorder. Despite initially denying all accusations—claiming her daughter’s burns came from playing outside—Patricia faced intense public backlash and media attention.
Cleared of charges in 2013, she continued to face criticism and eventually moved her family to Florida to escape the spotlight. She tried to capitalize on her fame through a movie, a tanning lotion line, and modeling offers.
In 2019, Patricia nearly died after severe pneumonia and cardiac arrest but ultimately recovered. Today, she’s doing much better, embraces her “Tan Mom” persona, and still tans twice a week at home.