Is diet recommendation discovered on social media correct?

There seems to be an explosion of nutritional “influencers” on social media and there is no lack of bombastic statements and promises such as “Lose 10 kilograms in 10 days” or “This one fruit cures X”. Such influencers almost always have no qualifications in health or nutrition, but simply have a physique that others consider desirable.

Needless to say, having a lean body doesn’t mean a person has the knowledge to give health advice to others. Even more worrying, such influencers often have an interest in covering up promises to attract sales of products with which they are associated. In fact, many influencers do this as a full-time job, meaning they rely on selling the products they are promoting.

A team from the University of Glasgow carried out a research study (https: //

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33287374/) analyzes the credibility of the weight management blogs of British social media influencers. They went through the blogs of influencers with more than 80,000 followers, who mainly dealt with the topic of weight loss. Its content has been assessed using credibility indicators and the facts presented have been cross-checked against published research and official recommendations.

The results were shocking – 90 percent of influencers provided incorrect or untrustworthy information, most of the time. It was also found that the meals published by these influencers, although often touted as low-calorie meals for weight loss, were typically very high in calories. For example, one influencer’s low-calorie breakfast consisted of 1,062 calories, while dinner was a whopping 1,500 calories.

The researchers ‘summary was that “social media influencers’ blogs are not a credible resource for weight management … all influencers should be required to meet accepted scientifically or medically based criteria for providing online weight management advice”.

UK National Obesity Forum Chairman Tom Fry: “This study helps demonstrate the destructive power of social media. Any Tom, Dick or Harry can go into the airwaves, post what they want and be believed by their followers. “

Some tips for evaluating nutritional information in the media

Is the evidence a testimony or someone’s opinion?

Personal opinions and anecdotes are not credible evidence. Just because a person claims that something worked for them does not mean that a particular diet or strategy is effective, safe, or scientifically supported.

Just because a person claims that something worked for them does not mean that a particular diet or strategy is effective, safe, or scientifically supported

Does the claim sound too good to be true?

Just as you are (hopefully) skeptical when you receive emails telling you that a foreign prince left you millions of dollars, claims like “lose weight easily by taking this one supplement” should be a red flag. Generally, if it sounds too good to be true, it is. There are no shortcuts to health (or wealth).

Is the information dramatized and unrelated to research?

“One glass of wine is the equivalent of an hour in the gym” – such claims are written specifically to pique your interest (a practice known as “clickbait”) rather than backed up by actual evidence.

Is the diet, food, or supplement being sold as a simple solution to a complex problem?

“Eating X prevents cancer”. Complex problems such as illnesses are not solved by a single food or dietary supplement.

Is the person presenting the information trying to sell something?

“Our innovative dietary supplement reverses diabetes”. When a product is advertised, the information is generally written with the sole aim of making a profit. Be especially skeptical if you notice any prejudice in the article / blog.

Who should you get your nutritional advice from?

If in doubt, contact the experts. These would be entered in the diet

Dietitians and nutritionists with state-recognized academic qualifications who are strictly based on scientific knowledge and official guidelines. In Malta you can find the list of registered professionals

on the website of the Council for Complementary Professions in Medicine:

Directory of nutritionists: https: // deputy primeminister.gov.mt/en/regcounc/cpcm/Documents/Dietics%20Register.pdf

Directory of nutritionists:

https://deputyprimeminister.gov.mt/en/regcounc/cpcm/Documents/Nutrition%20Register.pdf

Manuel Attard is a registered nutritionist and nutritionist.

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