Nutritionists have urged the public not to follow the nutritional advice of unsuspecting celebrities on social media.
The British Dietetic Association says “influencers” should not be confused with experts just because they have millions of followers.
It warned that the trends could be dangerous, cause medical problems and lead to eating disorders.
The professional body, which represents more than 11,000 members of the UK dietetic community, has issued a warning as many Britons plan a New Year’s diet.
Nutritionists are constantly asked about crazy weight loss solutions their patients or clients have heard about on social media.
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) says “influencers” should not be confused with experts just because they have millions of followers. It warned that the trends could be dangerous, cause medical problems and lead to eating disorders. The carnivore diet, which includes only meat, fish and other animal foods such as eggs and certain dairy products, was one of the “fads” BDA members saw in 2023
In 2023 alone, BDA members were polled on trends including weight loss gummies (pictured), products for menopausal people that burn belly fat, pureed foods, juice diets and the fruit, egg and water fasting diet.
In 2023 alone, BDA members were asked about eliminating carbohydrates, gummies for weight loss, a raw food cleansing diet, products for people going through menopause and for burning belly fat, the carnivore diet, pureed foods, juice diets and apple cider vinegar for weight loss. Weight loss – and the fasting diet with fruit, eggs and water.
Caroline Bovey, a registered dietitian and chair of the BDA, said: “Most of us would not take a medication to treat an illness without seeking medical advice or ensuring that it has been properly tested .”
“And yet some of us are persuaded to completely change our diet, often overnight, based on something someone with little or no nutritional knowledge says works for them.”
“Positive, healthy messages around food can often be lost at this time of year in favor of quick fixes with captivating before and after photos, which sometimes do more harm than good.”
“As a profession, we want to ensure that people who want to make changes in 2024 do so in the healthiest and safest way possible.”
READ MORE: NHS figures show number of people in hospital with nutritional deficiencies rising
Alexia Dempsey, another registered dietitian, said: “We live in a strange time where people with little or no dietary or medical training can provide nutrition and lifestyle advice to the masses.”
“It’s often because of the reach on social media.”
The BDA said it was easy to understand why people would be tempted by “quick fixes”, especially when promoted by trusted public figures and role models.
But it warned that the medical consequences of rapid weight loss could be “extremely problematic” and lead to eating disorders.
Jennifer Low, a registered dietitian and BDA spokeswoman, said: “So many unqualified people are giving nutritional advice.”
“Because they don’t have the training that registered dietitians and registered dietitians have, they often support their own health beliefs rather than providing advice based on evidence and years of clinical practice.”
“Diets are especially attractive when they are promoted by someone we idolize and believe to be living the perfect life.”
“We also love results, and we love results even more when they are quick and painless, but the reality is far from that.”
“When “New Year – New You” is advertised, it often does not come from a healthy nature and is almost always due to weight loss.
“It can also promote disordered eating, which can easily develop into a clinical eating disorder.”
“Many of my clients even cite fad diets as the cause of their eating disorder.”
The BDA asks citizens to “critically evaluate” what they see or read.
It recommends checking to see if there are multiple medical studies that support celebrity claims, rather than just a before-and-after photo.
Anna Groom, a registered dietitian and BDA spokesperson, said: “Following poor advice and diets that exclude whole food groups can increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies and unbalanced diets.”
The BDA said it was easy to understand why people would be tempted by “quick fixes”, especially when promoted by trusted public figures and role models. But it warned that the medical consequences of rapid weight loss could be “extremely problematic” and lead to eating disorders. Pictured: The raw food diet, which consists of 50 to 100 percent raw food
Dietitians are the only qualified and regulated health professionals who assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at individual and general public health levels. They use the latest public health and scientific research on nutrition, health and disease, and translate it into practical guidance to empower people to make appropriate lifestyle and nutritional choices. Pictured is the apple cider vinegar trend, which has some “influencers” suggesting that a tablespoon or two a day mixed with water can help with weight loss
“Avoiding carbohydrates for weight loss can reduce overall caloric intake, but also reduces fiber intake, which can have a negative effect on the gut, increase the risk of constipation, reduce the promotion of healthy gut bacteria and also the B vitamins needed is reduced for energy. release is important.’
Anna added: “Always ask yourself what you see.” Are they removing an entire food group? Did they recommend a particular superfood? Do they recommend a specific supplement?
“When in doubt, seek advice from trusted sources such as the NHS and BDA or seek help from a registered dietitian.”
Dietitians are the only qualified and regulated health professionals who assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at individual and general public health levels.
They use the latest public health and scientific research on nutrition, health and disease, and translate it into practical guidance to empower people to make appropriate lifestyle and nutritional choices.
They work in the NHS, private practice, industry, education, research, sport, media and government.
Their advice influences food and health policy across the spectrum, from government and global industry to local communities and individuals.
It is possible to get a referral to an NHS dietitian from a GP, while other costs can be paid privately.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
