Enhancing Your Health, Wellness, and Fitness—Dispel the Misinformation
From weight-loss medications to fish oil supplements, there are endless claims about wellness, nutrition, and fitness on the internet. However, not all of these claims are as beneficial as they may seem. The surge of health-focused influencers and content creators during the pandemic has given rise to an overwhelming amount of misinformation.
A recent survey by GoodRx revealed that nearly three-quarters of Americans have been exposed to medical misinformation, with 82% encountering it on social media. Additionally, 35% of respondents admitted to feeling uncertain about distinguishing between true health claims and exaggerated or false ones.
When looking for new wellness influencers or content creators to follow, it is crucial to consider several key metrics and take steps to ensure the information they provide is accurate.
What to Look for in a Credible Wellness Influencer or Content Creator
If you come across promising health influencers or content creators, here are four essential elements to consider before deciding to follow them:
Credentials: Seek out individuals with easily identifiable educational backgrounds or certifications, such as medical doctors, dietitians, or exercise science professionals. It’s important to remember that expertise in one area does not translate to credibility in all health and wellness issues.
Research: Pay attention to whether influencers use factual and peer-reviewed research, such as academic articles and studies from scientific journals, to support their claims.
Evolution: Check if these individuals frequently update themselves and their followers when new research emerges in health, nutrition, and fitness fields.
Accessibility: Assess how these influencers break down complex research for their audiences and approach crucial conversations.
When to Be Critical of Wellness Influencers’ Health Claims
Even after passing an initial credibility check, there may be claims that warrant further examination. Be cautious of new buzzwords and phrases in health and wellness discourse, especially those promoting quick fixes to complex challenges.
It is essential to be more skeptical when content creators are selling sensationalized claims, such as a program, supplement, or diet plan, without scientific backing.
Fact-Checking Health Claims from Wellness Influencers
If you stumble upon a health claim that you want to verify, start by asking whether it is easy to trace the original source of that claim. Check the search results to see if it comes from a credible arena, such as an academic paper or scientific journal, or if it is rooted in speculation.
Knowing When to Unfollow an Influencer
Regularly assess the impact of the content from health and wellness creators you follow. Ask yourself if their content is beneficial and actionable or if it causes unnecessary stress or anxiety. If their content does not improve your life, it might be time to unfollow and seek information elsewhere.
