What we’ll cover:

• How social media can influence dietary decisions
• What to be cautious about online
• Practical tips to become more mindful of the relationship between social media and food choice

Whether it’s Instagram, Facebook, X or TikTok to name a few, social media has become a huge part of our lives. Just like our physical environment can influence our dietary choices, our digital environment may also have the same effect. 

While traditional media such as newspapers, magazines and television content offers a single broadcast to a wider audience, social media creates a more personal experience. Beyond sharing images and videos and connecting with people, social media sites deliver you with a personalised algorithm of content. Think of your algorithm like a set of digital rules that analyse your online behaviour to predict and deliver what you want to view next.

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What are the dangers? 

Social media can have a positive impact in our lives, but we also know that it can negatively impact mental health and body image for some people. For example, you might watch a video of someone documenting their weight-loss journey. Your social media feed might then continue to show you content on the subject of food and/or weight loss.

1. Whilst some content could be helpful for inspiration, some could trigger feelings of comparison with someone else's journey. 

2. Many users online sharing advice on food intake, nutrition and weight loss may not be qualified to do so, and some advice could even be dangerous to health. Think twice before taking action. Our article on ‘sourcing health information’ contains useful tips on who and what to trust.

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“What I eat in a day” videos

This type of content has become increasingly popular among sites such as Instagram and TikTok. Usually in video format, the user will film what they’re eating throughout the day. While this might sound helpful, there are some things to keep in mind:

• The meals and snacks have likely been specifically chosen for the video. This may not reflect what is actually consumed on a ‘typical’ day.
• We all have our individual needs when it comes to food. What works for one person, does not necessarily work for another. 

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Recipe content

Whilst there are many balanced, healthy recipes online, not all will be suitable to help meet your goals. Research also shows that visual cues, such as images or videos of food can influence appetite. If ‘food noise’ is something you struggle with, taking a break from these digital visual cues may help.

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How to be mindful of social media influence

1. Unfollow accounts that could trigger unhelpful bodily or weight loss comparisons. 
2. Search for and save specific recipes that could help to meet your goals. For example, ‘high protein, high fibre lunch ideas’. 
3. Take a break. If needed, set yourself a specific time to be on social media and avoid passive scrolling. 
4. Be wary of paid content. Social media creators are paid to promote products such as dietary supplements. While they can make them sound enticing, remember they are advertisements and they may be unsuitable for you.
5. Think twice before taking advice. Consider the source of the information being provided and the credentials of the person sharing it. Your Roczen clinician or group mentor is there to help answer questions you may have.

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Summary

Many people find social media helpful during weight management. To provide inspiration, or join a community to connect with others. However, it is important to be mindful of what your feed is showing you to avoid comparison, or mis-information. By taking control of your digital environment, social media can be used carefully to support your goals, rather than holding you back.