6 Things to Keep in Mind When Receiving Advice Online from ‘Fitfluencers’

Fitness information has become more accessible online through TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms. Influencers can provide workouts, recipes, and general advice for staying in shape.

However, it’s worth considering how practical their advice is and taking every tip with a grain of salt. Here are six things to keep in mind when receiving advice online.

1. They Might Not Have Credentials

When getting fitness or nutrition advice from an online influencer, you should first check their credentials. Where did they learn these talking points? Someone with a degree in dietetics or exercise science is more likely to dole solid, fact-based information. However, influencers could spread false information, even if they realize it.

While you can learn a lot from the internet, it’s best if the creators know what they’re talking about. If they don’t have a degree, check for a personal training certification or other accreditations from reputable sources.

2. Their Advice Could Be Harmful

Imagine watching a video where a fitness influencer teaches you how to do squat variations. While the routine seems standard, it’s actually harmful to your back and lower body. For instance, the content creator’s form could cause back rounding or sinking knees. This stance could be counterproductive and lead to injuries.

Injuries from exercise and related equipment have increased, with experts reporting an 8% jump from 2022 to 2023. Males between 15 and 24 had the highest injury rate, so this demographic should be wary of their fitness content consumption.

3. The Information Could Be Untrue

If advice seems too good to be true, trust your instincts and research further. The internet is chock-full of information, and much of it is false. A University of Chicago study found that 44% of TikTok videos the researchers explored contained nonfactual information. Nonmedical influencers accounted for almost half of the content viewed and were more likely to have misinformation.

Suppose you’re watching videos about healthy foods to eat for breakfast. The content creator says you should exclude eggs from your diet because they’re not nutritious enough. In reality, eggs contain 6 grams of protein and no carbs, making them a solid part of your morning meals.

4. They Could Be Too Partial

Why do fitness content creators spread false information? Sometimes, users don’t realize their blogs and videos contain misleading advice. However, others may be too partial because advertisements and brand endorsements compromise their message.

In 2023, American Beverage paid 10 registered dietitians on TikTok to downplay the health effects of aspartame. American Beverage represents major beverage brands, although the influencers didn’t disclose this information in their videos. The advertisement campaign aimed to blunt the World Health Organization’s (WHO) classification of aspartame as a possible carcinogen.

5. Their Advice May Only Suit Themselves

Fitness influencers may share their stories about losing weight, building muscle or training for a marathon. While inspirational, these anecdotes might not equally apply to everyone’s lifestyle. If you try their methods, you could find different results or not enjoy the routine.

Suppose you watched a video about weight loss transformation using intermittent fasting. With this method, the creator took a 24-hour break from eating once or twice weekly. Feeling influenced, you try the strategy only to find yourself with low energy levels and intense hunger. You’re more inclined to stick to goals if you enjoy the journey, so curate sustainable methods.

6. You Only See a Glimpse

When you visit a fitness influencer’s account, you only see a small part of their lives. Thirty-second videos don’t show the rest of their fitness routine and dietary habits, so it’s essential to remember there’s more to the story. They might not reveal what happens behind the scenes.

Consider fitness content about building muscle. While plenty of men and women do it naturally, some influencers use anabolic steroids to enhance growth. Cleveland Clinic says approximately 4 million people use these substances for performance and appearance, so fitness influencers must be transparent about their supplement usage.

Finding the Truth in Fitness Content

Determining what’s true on social media can be challenging, especially if you view health and fitness content. However, not all hope is lost. Follow creators who are credentialed and transparent about their blogs and videos. Even if they’re trustworthy, you should hold them accountable with fact-checking when necessary.