Survey Reveals Growing Nutrition Crisis Amid Rise in Misinformation

Nearly Half of Americans Rely on Unaccredited Sources for Nutrition Advice, Survey Finds

A national survey released today by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reveals that nearly half of Americans are turning to unaccredited sources, social media, and AI-generated recommendations for nutrition guidance instead of consulting trained professionals.

In response to these alarming findings, the Academy has launched “A Seat at Every Table,” a multi-year nationwide initiative aimed at elevating the role of nutrition and dietetics professionals in shaping the nation’s nutrition decisions. The campaign emphasizes the importance of science-based, personalized expertise that social media, AI platforms, and unaccredited sources cannot provide.

“Nutrition touches every part of our lives, yet there is a major lack of public knowledge about who nutrition and dietetics professionals are,” said Wylecia Wiggs Harris, PhD, CAE, Chief Executive Officer of the Academy. “This campaign raises awareness of registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered (NDTRs).”

The survey paints a concerning picture of how nutrition misinformation has proliferated. Eight in ten Americans report difficulty distinguishing fact from fiction about food and nutrition. More specifically, 56% rely primarily on their own online research to make nutrition decisions, often without the tools to evaluate credibility. Nearly half (46%) have acted on nutrition advice from social media influencers, and one in three have used ChatGPT or another AI tool to generate nutrition or weight-loss plans without consulting qualified professionals.

This trend comes at a time when conflicting claims, quick-fix promises, and self-proclaimed experts dominate wellness spaces. As clickbait headlines and viral challenges blur the lines between entertainment and expertise, finding credible guidance has become increasingly challenging.

“As a registered dietitian, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful evidence-based nutrition guidance can be—yet too many people are making decisions without access to credible guidance,” said Deanne Brandstetter, MBA, RDN, CDN, FAND, 2025-2026 President of the Academy. “This campaign is about reclaiming trust.”

Nutrition and dietetics professionals stand apart from unaccredited sources through their rigorous training and credentials. They must complete in-depth education and ongoing continuing education, ensuring their guidance remains current and evidence-based. These professionals offer clarity rooted in scientific evidence, personalized care that supports long-term health, and practical guidance to help people create enjoyable, tailored, and culturally relevant meals.

The “A Seat at Every Table” initiative highlights the impact of nutrition professionals across various environments where nutrition decisions are made—from hospitals and schools to workplaces, grocery stores, and government policymaking. When nutrition professionals aren’t initially included in decision-making processes, the campaign encourages them to create their own seat at the table, ensuring evidence-based expertise informs decisions affecting community health.

The timing of this campaign is particularly relevant as public health concerns around nutrition-related conditions continue to rise. According to recent health statistics, diet-related chronic diseases remain among the leading causes of preventable deaths in the United States. By emphasizing the role of credentialed professionals, the Academy aims to address not only individual health outcomes but also broader public health challenges.

To support greater public understanding, the Academy has released a comprehensive toolkit featuring videos, factsheets, and interactive resources available on their website. These materials aim to help consumers distinguish between credible nutrition information and potentially harmful misinformation.

The survey, which included 1,000 responses from a nationally representative sample of Americans over the age of 18, has a confidence level of 95% with a margin of error of ±3.1.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics represents more than 112,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners and is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The organization is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education, and advocacy.