According to an online survey by the British Nutrition Foundation, a staggering 56% of people who use social media for health information said they are likely to make changes to their diet based on information they’ve seen on social media platforms such as TikTok or Instagram. The Foundation warns that many social media diet trends aren’t scientifically proven, can be hard to stick with, and may even be harmful. This raises the question: how can we avoid falling for misinformation online?

Watch out for claims not backed by sources

Read beyond the headline and if it doesn't sound right, cross-check it with official sources, such as the NHS. If you can’t find a claim mentioned elsewhere, odds are it hasn’t been studied thoroughly enough. Is the advice/author a qualified nutrition professional? The Association of Nutrition notes you can quickly determine whether an individual is qualified and regulated in nutrition by looking for credentials after their name such as ANutr, RD or RNutr.  

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Find out more about the types of nutritional professionals on Nutritionist Resource.

Beware of sensational headlines

Be mindful of terms like "miracle," "quick fix," or "cure," as they can often be a sign of misleading content. These buzzwords oversimplify health issues, making it seem like there's an easy solution when that’s rarely the case. Clickbait is designed to grab your attention, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Look out for possible biases

While social media platforms such as TikTok videos can be an excellent place for health inspiration, it’s important to approach them with a critical eye. Many influencers on social media have personal brands or affiliations that may influence their recommendations. Is the influencer or company trying to sell you a magic tea that they are going to profit from? Whilst sponsorship deals can be a good way to learn about new products, be wary of hope and overpromise.

In her article ‘6 mistakes to avoid when working with a nutritionist’, Nutritionist Resource member and Registered Nutritional Therapist, Lucia Stansbie notes:

“In today's digital age, a plethora of nutrition information is readily available online and on social media platforms. While some of this information may be accurate and helpful, much of it is misleading or unsubstantiated. Implementing your own personalised dietary plans based on online resources can lead to confusion, misinformation, and ineffective outcomes. If a supplement worked for an influencer on Instagram, or a magazine article supports a specific dietary pattern it doesn’t mean it will also work for you.”

Avoid negative food labelling

Be sceptical of any content that encourages negativity around particular foods. A common example is calling a food “toxic” without providing any supporting information. Demonising particular foods can create a sense of shame which can often trigger feelings of guilt and add to diet culture. Different bodies need different things, so try to avoid information that promotes strict rules about what you can and can’t eat. Any diet that promotes cutting out entire food groups or drastically reducing calories should be approached with caution. Extreme diets can be harmful to your health and are often unsustainable in the long run.

Understand the difference between opinions and facts

Not all online advice is rooted in science. Personal opinions, especially those from non-experts, may lack factual backing. Always ask whether the advice comes from research or is just someone’s personal experience or belief. Evidence-based information, especially from peer-reviewed studies, is far more reliable than personal opinions.

Work with a professional

When in doubt, it's always best to seek advice from a qualified nutrition professional, such as a registered dietitian or certified nutritionist. While online information can be helpful, a professional will offer evidence-based, tailored recommendations that are far more reliable than general advice found online. You can find qualified professionals on Nutritionist Resource.