Diet Culture and Nutrition Misinformation Spread Through Social Media

Social Media’s Nutrition Misinformation Crisis Threatens Public Health

Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become breeding grounds for nutritional misinformation, with self-proclaimed “holistic nutritionists” and influencers promoting potentially harmful dietary practices that lack scientific backing.

A systematic review published by the National Library of Medicine found that nearly half of all nutrition-related content on social media platforms is of low quality and accuracy. The study specifically highlighted that information about weight loss and supplements contained a higher proportion of false claims compared to other nutrition topics.

“If a social media influencer says something you want to hear, you are more willing to listen and accept it without actually verifying or fact-checking the information,” explains Dr. Paul Branscum, a professor in the Kinesiology, Nutrition and Health Department at Miami University who specializes in health promotion and education.

The issue is particularly concerning for college students who may be seeking to achieve specific health or fitness goals. TikTok’s algorithm-driven content prioritizes short, engaging videos filled with buzzwords and emotionally charged messaging, often at the expense of scientific accuracy.

This digital landscape creates an environment where views and engagement trump evidence and credibility, ultimately undermining trust in legitimate health professionals and science-backed interventions.

Virginia Willard, vice president of the Student Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at Miami University, has witnessed this problem firsthand through her work as a nutritional educator for Oxford Pantry & Social Services.

“I educated students on fitness during a debunking food myths event, and it was shocking how many students fall for misinformation on social media,” Willard said. “Students actively wash their poultry, which spreads bacteria, adopt fad diets such as the keto diet, or restrict their carb intake while actively trying to gain muscle mass.”

The prevalence of influencers promoting exclusionary diets, detoxes, and unrealistic transformations has real consequences. Many followers adopt restrictive eating patterns that can lead to nutritional deficiencies, disordered eating behaviors, and poor mental health outcomes.

Willard notes that a large following often creates a false sense of credibility for content creators. “Students will blindly follow someone who spreads myths about gluten, dairy, or the consumption of sugar just because they have a large following,” she explained. “However, you should treat nutrition as a personal thing; it’s a personal plan.”

Distinguishing between qualified professionals and self-proclaimed experts is crucial. Willard advises students to look for credentials such as Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), which indicates a recognized medical professional, rather than “nutritionist,” which can be a self-proclaimed title with no standardized educational requirements.

College campuses are responding to this challenge by offering evidence-based resources. Miami University provides weekly Lunch and Learn sessions in Phillips Hall and consultations with campus dietitians to help students navigate nutritional information.

Dr. Branscum emphasizes the importance of finding personalized approaches to nutrition. “The best way to achieve nutritional goals, such as weight loss, is to find a method that works for you,” he advised. “And if you are having a hard time finding that through your lifestyle, it is beneficial to try different methods: seeking support systems, professional help, or surgical and medical options.”

The prevalence of diet culture on social media platforms has created a concerning landscape where unrealistic body standards and restrictive eating habits are normalized. For those struggling with nutrition or experiencing confusion amid the flood of contradictory information, experts emphasize the importance of seeking professional guidance from qualified healthcare providers.

As social media continues to influence how people, particularly young adults, understand nutrition and health, the need for digital literacy and critical evaluation of health information has never been more important. Public health advocates are increasingly calling for stronger content moderation and clearer identification of credentialed experts on these platforms to help combat the spread of potentially harmful nutritional misinformation.