Instagram Social Media Influencers - Evaluating The Quality Of Posts On Weight Loss

• By: BRADELEY, Parisa (University Of Nottingham, United Kingdom)
• Co-author(s): Prof Parisa Aslani
  Ms Lucy Bradeley (University Of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom)
  
• Abstract:

  Background Information and Purpose
  
  Social media is home to many things, from stick-thin fashion models, and love-island stars promoting weight loss gummies, to real people looking for real weight loss solutions and real support. Research to date shows that social media use can have damaging effects on body image, which can in turn lead to mental health issues and eating disorders. Furthermore, it has been found that those who are most likely to seek weight loss information on social media are most likely to be negatively influenced by it. Misinformation is becoming a growing concern on social media, and social media influencers (SMIs) have a significant and growing impact on their followers. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate the quality of weight loss posts made by SMIs on Instagram.
  
  Methods
  
  Posts containing weight loss advice from a sample of five SMIs were analysed to determine whether they were posting within the realm of their qualifications, whether their claims were cited by evidence and if the references were used correctly , and if the information they shared was in-line with government approved guidelines on weight loss and health. Both NHS (National Health Service) and NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines were utilised as comparators. Where posts did not align with government approved guidance, alternative sources of scientific evidence were sought using PubMed and Google Scholar, as well as Google to search relevant grey literature.
  
  Results
  
  This study showed a clear lack of referencing and evidence-based claims, a substantial amount of information not in line with government approved guidance and SMIs making posts beyond the realm of their qualifications, with no disclaimer to let their followers know that this is the case. No clear trend could be determined between the qualification level of the SMI and the quality of their posts.
  
  Conclusions
  
  The weight loss information accessed via Instagram varied drastically in quality and has the ability to undermine government approved guidance. Overall, the variety in quality of the posts analysed, highlights the need for thorough, life-long online media literacy and health literacy education to aid patients, should they choose to access healthcare information via social media. In addition, the role of the healthcare professional in protecting patients from misinformation online must be carefully considered and updated regularly to keep up with this everchanging landscape.