loader image
Friday, September 26, 2025
96.2 F
McAllen
- Advertisement -

Using Caution with Dieting Tips from Influencers

Translate to Spanish or other 102 languages!

If you search for weight loss tips on social media, you’re going to be flooded with videos from different influencers, but before you take any of their advice, it’s important to make sure they have the right credentials to back up their claims. Image for illustration purposes
- Advertisement -

CLEVELAND CLINIC – If you search for weight loss tips on social media, you’re going to be flooded with videos from different influencers, but before you take any of their advice, it’s important to make sure they have the right credentials to back up their claims. 

“We tend to be influenced by people that have a ton of followers, but having a lot of followers doesn’t mean that someone has the medical credentials to be able to provide that guidance. Now some influencers do, and they oftentimes will back up their claims with evidence, putting that in the caption, putting study links, etc. But followers, likes, comments, that doesn’t always really equate to someone who knows what they’re talking about,” said Kristin Kirkpatrick, RD, registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic.

Kirkpatrick said people should also consider the kind of advice the influencer is giving – is it broader or something specific? 

- Advertisement -

For example, if they’re telling you to go gluten-free, you should stop and question whether that really applies to you. 

Not everyone needs to eliminate gluten from their diet. 

The same goes for cutting out entire food groups like carbs and fats.

Kirkpatrick said without providing context, that can cause confusion and even lead some to develop an unhealthy relationship with food. 

- Advertisement -

Another thing she warned to be weary of is influencers that promote weight loss products and supplements. 

“If you have someone who is making claims that are more in line with opinions without any kind of health background, we have to ask ourselves what is the motivation for that? Is it money? Is it that they are just sharing something that’s working for themselves? I think that’s another important component,” said Kirkpatrick. “One thing that I think is a great aspect that we do have in terms of social media is influencers have to show whether or not they’re doing a paid sponsorship.”

Kirkpatrick adds that what may work for an influencer may not work for you, and that’s okay. 

You shouldn’t compare yourself or feel ashamed if you’re not getting the same results. 

There are a lot of factors that could play a role. 

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

More Articles

Dr. Cardenas pushes the apprenticeship model as Texas faces a 56,370 nurse shortage

The Texas Workforce Commission held its 9th Annual Apprenticeship Texas Conference on September 25, 2025, featuring a panel discussion on “Building a Healthier Workforce.”

Young Cancer Patient Honored as Veterinarian for a Day at Local Animal Hospital

Six year old Anahi Ibarra was honored by the Four Paws Animal Hospital as a ‘Vet For a Day’ after learning about her dream to become a Veterinarian.

DHR Health is First in the Valley Designated as Lung Cancer Screening and Care Center of Excellence

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., claiming more lives each year than breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined. Unlike other cancers that have seen significant advances in early detection and treatment, lung cancer is frequently diagnosed in its later stages, when survival rates are much lower and treatment is more difficult.

DHR Health’s Dr. Cardenas Showcases Apprenticeship Model for Healthcare Careers

The Texas Workforce Commission hosted its 9th Annual Apprenticeship Texas Conference on September 25, 2025, at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel. Themed “Building Texas Talent – Apprenticeships of Tomorrow,” the conference featured a flagship plenary session titled “Building a Healthier Workforce.”
- Advertisement -
×