Should You Trust Nutrition Influencers? Shocking New Research #shorts

Should you trust influencers?

Probably not lol.

In another version of this kind of study, researchers analysed posts from popular Australian nutrition influencers.

They found that approximately half the posts contained information inaccuracies.

And close to a quarter of posts contained “completely inaccurate” or “mostly inaccurate” information.
Unfortunately, this is similar to other research studies on this topic, showing that social media health, fitness, nutrition and weight loss information on social media is a bit of a minefield.

Funnily enough, in this study they also noted that posts they had BETTER engagement were more likely to be of WORSE quality.

Which is something I say time and time again.

It is much easier to make catchy viral videos if you don’t let yourself get bogged down with that pesky thing called intellectual honesty lol.

Obviously, this doesn’t mean ALL influencers are terrible. Technically I am one after all, even though that term makes me vomit in my mouth a little.

But it does mean you should be careful of who you trust.

P.S. At the end of each post, I remind you that my best-selling book, ‘Everything Fat Loss’ is currently on sale as an audiobook, plus digital/print versions from Barnes and Noble, Apple, Kobo, Google, and Amazon with an extra 9% off in Canada. Please feel free to grab it before the price goes up.

References:
- #Fail: the quality and accuracy of nutrition-related information by influential Australian Instagram accounts
- Prevalence of Health Misinformation on Social Media: Systematic Review
- Can Social Media Profiles Be a Reliable Source of Information on Nutrition and Dietetics?
- Analysing Credibility of UK Social Media Influencers' Weight-Management Blogs: A Pilot Study
- Is Social Media Spreading Misinformation on Exercise and Health in Brazil?
- Are Health-Related Tweets Evidence Based? Review and Analysis of Health-Related Tweets on Twitter

[ConfusedSwede]

Influencer tell me study say not to trust influencers because the get studies wrong.

I don’t know if I should trust him on this or not.

[Enoch-Root]

Influencer says not to trust influencers.

A modern day restatement of the liars paradox?

That said, the overwhelming majority of your content seems to be well supported and doesn't overstate things or make wild claims. Unfortunately a rarity among online health influencers.

[nikhilxd]

If misinformation has a god in health and science welcome to the Indian feed 😂

[Dragonmoon]

I look at it this way. Take what they say with a grain of salt and do your own research.