18 Jul Online Registered Dietitian Discusses the Dangers of Social Media and Weight Loss Advice — Influencer Beware
Social media has transformed the way we communicate and interact with others. With over 2.3 billion users on Facebook and 1 billion on Instagram, the impact of social media on society cannot be ignored. The term “influencer” has become ubiquitous, with these individuals amassing millions of followers and using their charisma, likeability, and popularity to shape opinions and behaviors.
However, the rise of influencers has also brought about a concerning trend – the spread of dangerous weight management advice. Weight loss is a billion-dollar industry, and now, unqualified “nutritionists” and weight-obsessed celebrities are using blogs, YouTube, and Instagram to share their weight loss tactics. These individuals often lack credibility and provide advice that is not only ineffective but also harmful, on top of perpetuating concerning body image messaging.
Unfortunately, many of their followers are paying a hefty price for adhering to this bad advice – their health. It’s important to know who to trust in this sea of information. According to a 2019 study, 90% of health advice on social media is wrong, yet influencers continue to promote dangerous and untested weight loss products.
So how can you determine whose advice to follow? Here’s a checklist on who to follow, who to not. (Most of our influencers fall into the not category.)
- Credentials Matter: Don’t Trust Your Health to Unqualified “Nutritionists”. When it comes to your health, it’s essential to prioritize the qualifications of the individuals offering advice. Just as you wouldn’t want to rock climb or bungee jump with someone who lacks the necessary experience and training, no matter how charismatic they are, you don’t want to put your health and wellbeing in the hands of random, charismatic, people.
- The title, “nutritionist”, is not accredited, and virtually anyone can use it. Instead, look for a “registered dietitian nutritionist” who has completed relevant coursework and holds accredited qualifications. Be wary of those who have only completed a short online course and slapped the “nutritionist” label on their name.
- Check your sources. In today’s age of information overload, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of nutrition advice available online, at the bookstore, even standing in the grocery checkout line. However, not all sources are created equal, and it’s crucial to ensure that the information you’re receiving is backed by credible sources.
- Reliable sources for nutrition advice inclue Nutrition Action, Harvard Health, and peer-reviewed nutrition journals such as the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Annual Review of Nutrition. Popular magazines like O, The Oprah Magazine, Good Housekeeping, and Women’s Health may not be the most reliable sources unless the articles are supported by the sources mentioned above.
- When it comes to influencers, it’s essential to hold them to a high standard. Sloppy research can lead to sloppy advice, which can be harmful to your health. Always check the sources of the information they provide, and look for evidence-based research to support their claims.
- Are they focusing on the numbers? The world of weight loss is a lucrative industry, and it seems like every day, there’s a new fad diet promising quick and easy results. However, many of these diets are not only ineffective but can also be dangerous to your health. If the focus is on losing weight, unfollow. Sustainable weight loss requires lifestyle and dietary changes — moderation and modification — that can be implemented and sustained over time.
- The Influence of Paid Promotions on Social Media. In the world of social media, influencers hold tremendous power, and they can make a pretty penny by endorsing various products on their accounts. For example, Kim Kardashian reportedly receives $500,000 for a single product push on her social media platforms. Influencers are paid to promote, whether the information is helpful and science-backed or not.
- Healthy Eating Habits vs. Fad Diets: When it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it’s essential to fuel our bodies with the right nutrients. Skipping meals, indulging in cheat days, or following fad diets like the 5-2 can be harmful to our bodies and our brains. If an influencer brags about cleansing for a week to fit into a dress or encourages cheat meals, it’s a red flag. Not only are these influencers spreading dangerous ideas about body image, but they’re also promoting unhealthy eating habits. It’s crucial to follow influencers who promote healthy eating habits and encourage self-love and body positivity.
- The Pitfalls of “One-Size-Fits-All” Advice. In the world of health and wellness, “one-size-fits-all” advice is often touted as a solution to all our problems. However, this approach is fundamentally flawed. Every person’s body is different, and so are their needs. Therefore, it’s simply bad advice to assume that one approach will work for everyone. The health and wellness industry is a billion-dollar industry for a reason. No single solution can cater to the unique needs of every individual. Beware of influencers who offer “quick fixes” or promote a one-size-fits-all approach to health and wellness.
- Beware of weight loss pills, shakes, and more. What about the products themselves? Weight loss products and supplements are virtually unregulated. What’s in them? Where are they made? Are they safe? Even if the product seems to have good ingredients, it might not work for everyone. Or worse, it might do more harm than good.
- Do not follow any celebrity weight-loss advice. None. Zero. Zip. Period. (Unless, of course, they are your personal registered dietitian or clinical nutritionist, have done an individualized evaluation for you, and created a nutrition and exercise plan based on your individual needs.)
Just as we wouldn’t trust Instagram for advice on our children’s health, we shouldn’t leave our own well-being in the hands of unqualified individuals. Before making any drastic changes to our nutrition or exercise routines, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. Your health is too important to leave to chance.