With the growth of digital technology and a cultural milieu increasingly advocating for self-promotion and triumphant individualism, comes the ascent of social media influencers and the sharp dismantling of what were once knowledge monopolies. Over the past years, SMIs has been continually gaining vast impact on the individual decision making. They’re acting as quasi-experts and assuming roles traditionally reserved for highly trained specialists (such as doctors and dieticians). As James Hamblin wrote in The Atlantic, hyperbolically perhaps, ‘the idea of a lone consultant becoming, in three short years, more influential than entire university departments of Ph.Ds., is indicative of a new level of potential for celebrity in health messaging’. This begs the question, “are influencers fitness and diet advices to be trusted?”
The shocking truth
A study conducted by a team at University of Glasgow found that just one out of nine leading bloggers in UK who makes weight management claims actually provided accurate and trustworthy information.
The health researchers studied the country’s most popular influencers. The study was based on those who have more than 80,000 followers on at least one social media site, verification from at least two sites such as Twitter, and who have an active weight management blog. They were analyzed and scored against 12 criteria to demonstrate credibility. The university team examined whether the health and diet claims made by influencers were transparent, trustworthy, nutritionally sound and included evidence-based references. Influencers were regarded as having “passed” the test if they met 70 per cent or more of the criteria. Researchers also examined the latest 10 meal recipes from each blog for energy content, carbohydrates, protein, fat, saturated fat, fibre, sugar and salt content.
Opinion > Facts
Lead researcher Christina Sabbagh stated that their findings show that the majority of the blogs could not be considered credible sources of weight management information. In fact, they often presented opinion as fact and failed to meet UK nutritional criteria. In addition, she asserted that this is potentially harmful as these blogs reach such wide audience.
The authors concluded: “Social media influencers’ blogs are not credible resources for weight management. Popularity and impact of social media in the context of the obesity epidemic suggests all influencers should be required to meet accepted scientifically or medically justified criteria for the provision of weight management advice online.”
The destructive power of social media
Tam Fry, chairman of the National Obesity Forum, said: “This study adds to the evidence of the destructive power of social media.”
These practices capitalize on the apparent democratization of media production and distribution. Even if social media influencers have our best interest at heart, inspire us and offer low-cost online nutritional information: their contribution to the wellness industry is still questionable. There is no industry guidelines to ensure the quality of information they put out in the media which can be misleading and promote actions that leads to suboptimal outcomes. Given the strong influence of social media influencers have on opinion and behavior formation of their audience, it’s vital for them to meet accepted scientifically or medically justified criteria before providing weight management advice on various social media platforms.
Do you want to learn more about fitness and diet? Click here!
Comments
0 comments
Good post and right to the point. I don’t know if this is really the best place to ask but do you people have any ideea where to get some
professional writers? Thanks 🙂 Escape room
Very interesting info!Perfect just what I was looking for!!
Hi there! I just wish to offer you a huge thumbs up for the excellent information you’ve got right here on this post. I will be coming back to your website for more soon.
Hi, There’s no doubt that your blog might be having browser compatibility problems. Whenever I take a look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Other than that, fantastic blog!
A motivating discussion is definitely worth comment. I believe that you ought to write more on this subject, it might not be a taboo subject but usually folks don’t discuss such topics. To the next! Kind regards!
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon every day. It will always be exciting to read articles from other writers and use a little something from their websites.
I was very happy to uncover this web site. I need to to thank you for ones time just for this fantastic read!! I definitely really liked every part of it and I have you bookmarked to look at new information on your blog.
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon every day. It’s always useful to read through content from other authors and practice something from their websites.
I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Exceptionally well written.
I’m impressed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both educative and amusing, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something that not enough people are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I found this in my hunt for something concerning this.
I like reading a post that will make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment.
Pretty! This was an extremely wonderful article. Thanks for supplying these details.
Saved as a favorite, I like your site!
Hi, I do believe this is an excellent site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may revisit yet again since i have book marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.
After checking out a few of the articles on your web site, I seriously appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I saved as a favorite it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back in the near future. Take a look at my web site too and tell me what you think.
Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thank you so much, However I am going through issues with your RSS. I don’t know why I can’t join it. Is there anyone else having the same RSS issues? Anyone who knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanks.
I’m impressed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both equally educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem is something which too few folks are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy I came across this in my search for something relating to this.
Hi, I do believe this is an excellent web site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I’m going to revisit yet again since I saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.
The very next time I read a blog, Hopefully it won’t disappoint me as much as this particular one. After all, I know it was my choice to read, nonetheless I really believed you would probably have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of complaining about something you could fix if you were not too busy searching for attention.
Plus, modular housing offers many more customization options, including pricey upgrades like granite countertops and personal touches like antique tile flooring.
Aw, this was an incredibly nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to produce a good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.
Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Many thanks, However I am encountering difficulties with your RSS. I don’t understand the reason why I can’t join it. Is there anybody else having similar RSS problems? Anyone that knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanks.
Everything is very open with a really clear explanation of the issues. It was truly informative. Your site is very useful. Thanks for sharing.
I was able to find good info from your blog articles.
I’m impressed, I have to admit. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s equally educative and engaging, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I came across this in my hunt for something regarding this.
Aw, this was a really nice post. Spending some time and actual effort to create a top notch article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It’s always helpful to read through content from other writers and use something from their web sites.
An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a coworker who was doing a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending the time to discuss this subject here on your blog.
I blog quite often and I really thank you for your information. The article has really peaked my interest. I’m going to book mark your site and keep checking for new information about once per week. I subscribed to your RSS feed as well.
Very good information. Lucky me I found your blog by chance (stumbleupon). I have saved as a favorite for later!
You made some decent points there. I checked on the internet to find out more about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this website.
This is a topic that is near to my heart… Cheers! Exactly where can I find the contact details for questions?
You made some really good points there. I looked on the net to learn more about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this web site.
Your style is so unique compared to other folks I’ve read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark this site.
Hey there! I simply would like to give you a huge thumbs up for the great information you’ve got right here on this post. I am returning to your web site for more soon.
I needed to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have got you book marked to look at new stuff you post…
I blog quite often and I seriously appreciate your content. This article has truly peaked my interest. I am going to take a note of your website and keep checking for new details about once per week. I opted in for your RSS feed as well.
After checking out a handful of the blog articles on your site, I honestly appreciate your technique of blogging. I saved it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back in the near future. Please check out my web site too and tell me what you think.
Hi, I believe your site could possibly be having internet browser compatibility issues. When I take a look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Apart from that, wonderful site!
I used to be able to find good info from your content.
I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this site. I am hoping to see the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my very own blog now 😉
bookmarked!!, I really like your site!
Pretty! This was a really wonderful post. Thank you for supplying these details.
Hello! I simply want to offer you a big thumbs up for your excellent information you have got here on this post. I will be returning to your site for more soon.
This website was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something which helped me. Cheers!
I used to be able to find good information from your content.
I was able to find good information from your blog articles.
This blog was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something that helped me. Cheers.
You need to take part in a contest for one of the highest quality blogs online. I most certainly will highly recommend this web site!
I was able to find good info from your blog posts.
A motivating discussion is definitely worth comment. I believe that you should write more about this issue, it might not be a taboo subject but typically folks don’t discuss such issues. To the next! Kind regards!
I’m impressed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s equally educative and amusing, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem is an issue that not enough people are speaking intelligently about. Now i’m very happy I came across this in my search for something concerning this.
I could not resist commenting. Well written!
Good write-up. I absolutely appreciate this site. Keep writing!
After checking out a few of the blog articles on your site, I really appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Please check out my website as well and tell me what you think.
Having read this I thought it was extremely enlightening. I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this short article together. I once again find myself personally spending a lot of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
Everyone loves it whenever people come together and share views. Great website, continue the good work!
You’re so cool! I don’t suppose I have read through something like this before. So nice to find somebody with a few genuine thoughts on this subject matter. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is required on the internet, someone with a bit of originality.
I was very happy to uncover this great site. I want to to thank you for your time just for this wonderful read!! I definitely appreciated every part of it and I have you saved to fav to check out new things in your website.
Can I just say what a relief to uncover someone that truly understands what they’re talking about online. You certainly understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people really need to look at this and understand this side of your story. I was surprised that you’re not more popular given that you certainly have the gift.
Howdy! This article couldn’t be written any better! Looking through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept talking about this. I am going to forward this article to him. Fairly certain he’ll have a great read. Thanks for sharing!
I really like looking through a post that will make people think. Also, thank you for allowing for me to comment.
Excellent article! We are linking to this particularly great content on our website. Keep up the good writing.
This blog was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something which helped me. Thanks a lot!
Good info. Lucky me I discovered your site by chance (stumbleupon). I have saved as a favorite for later!
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful article. Many thanks for providing these details.
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this article plus the rest of the site is very good.
After I initially left a comment I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on each time a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is a way you can remove me from that service? Thank you.
I could not refrain from commenting. Very well written!
The very next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not disappoint me as much as this particular one. After all, I know it was my choice to read, but I really thought you would have something helpful to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something you could fix if you weren’t too busy searching for attention.
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this post and also the rest of the site is extremely good.
This is the right web site for anybody who hopes to find out about this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a topic that has been discussed for years. Excellent stuff, just wonderful.
After going over a few of the blog posts on your blog, I seriously like your way of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back in the near future. Take a look at my web site as well and tell me how you feel.
Having read this I believed it was very enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this information together. I once again find myself personally spending way too much time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worth it!
This is a topic that’s close to my heart… Thank you! Exactly where are your contact details though?
I blog quite often and I genuinely thank you for your content. This article has truly peaked my interest. I will take a note of your site and keep checking for new details about once a week. I opted in for your Feed as well.
Everything is very open with a precise explanation of the issues. It was really informative. Your site is extremely helpful. Thank you for sharing!
Good day! I simply would like to offer you a big thumbs up for your great information you have got here on this post. I am coming back to your web site for more soon.
Good information. Lucky me I found your site by chance (stumbleupon). I’ve saved it for later.
I want to to thank you for this fantastic read!! I certainly enjoyed every little bit of it. I’ve got you bookmarked to look at new things you post…
Great information. Lucky me I ran across your site by chance (stumbleupon). I’ve book marked it for later.
I have to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this site. I really hope to see the same high-grade content by you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my very own website now 😉
bookmarked!!, I really like your blog!
Very good post! We are linking to this great content on our site. Keep up the great writing.
Having read this I believed it was extremely enlightening. I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this informative article together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile.
You’re so awesome! I don’t suppose I have read through a single thing like that before. So good to find another person with some original thoughts on this issue. Really.. many thanks for starting this up. This web site is something that is required on the web, someone with a little originality.
I’m amazed, I have to admit. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both educative and interesting, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is an issue that too few folks are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I stumbled across this in my hunt for something concerning this.
There is certainly a lot to find out about this issue. I really like all of the points you have made.