Social media is a thriving hub for wellness content where influencers often endorse a variety of treatments and products purported to assist with weight loss, combat fatigue, or achieve other health benefits. While some of these health tips can be beneficial, many are based on fleeting trends lacking substantial evidence, according to medical professionals.
Influencers frequently promote dietary choices, such as avoiding seed oils or embracing a meat-heavy carnivore diet. Video endorsements for supplements like berberine, dubbed online as “nature’s Ozempic,” and non-medical IV vitamin therapies, often marketed by drip bars to cure hangovers or fatigue, are also prevalent. These alternative health practices have always existed outside the space of mainstream medicine, but the internet has increased their visibility, prompting calls for regulatory safeguards.
Such health narratives sometimes gain significant traction, irrespective of their foundation in rigorous science. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was appointed as the new U.S. health secretary, faced the suspension of his Instagram account in 2021 over misinformation about vaccines and COVID-19, yet his ideas still resonate with a sizable audience. Similarly, Dr. Mehmet Oz faced criticism for allegedly presenting misleading information on his talk show. He is now nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, highlighting how controversial ideas can sometimes find institutional backing.
The Netflix series released last month revisited the story of Belle Gibson, an Australian wellness influencer, who falsely claimed to have cured her terminal brain cancer with alternative medicine. Her deceit not only discredited her claims but also led to a federal court fine for not fulfilling her charity donation commitments from sales of her wellness-related content.
With the ongoing popularity of wellness discourse on social media, experts have provided guidance for evaluating online health material. Consumers are advised to exercise skepticism when influencers promote products. Many influencers have financial motives, which can sometimes skew their endorsements, although this doesn’t necessarily indicate insincerity. Despite this, caution is advised with respect to products for weight loss or other health benefits suggested by social media influencers.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reviewed numerous Instagram and TikTok posts about popular medical tests and found many to be misleading, often omitting potential harms like overdiagnosis. Most posts were from accounts with a financial interest in promoting these tests. Dietary supplements, in particular, have become a profitable area for influencers, often involved in disseminating health misinformation, according to Timothy Caulfield from the University of Alberta.
Verifying an influencer’s expertise is crucial. Cedric Bryant, CEO of the American Council on Exercise, advises consumers to maintain skepticism, especially if claims seem too optimistic. Some influencers possess medical training, but many do not. Verifying their credentials or checking if they can substantiate their claims with data is essential. In fitness, for instance, certification from recognized organizations can be verified through the U.S. Registry of Exercise Professionals.
Cross-referencing influencers’ claims with prevailing medical consensus is also recommended. Elias Aboujaoude, a Stanford psychiatrist, mentions that having a medical degree does not universally guarantee trustworthiness. It is advisable to validate health claims against reputable sources and peer-reviewed studies. Certain studies might suggest benefits, but unless corroborated by further research, their effectiveness remains unconfirmed, points out Katherine Zeratsky, a dietitian at the Mayo Clinic.
Overall, while social media can be a lively space for health discussions, discernment is key in navigating the sea of wellness content and understanding the motivations behind influencer endorsements.