News
November 27, 2025
Online ‘wellness’ misinformation is fuelling disordered eating, dietitian warns
Misinformation about food and so-called wellness on social media is leaving Irish dietitians spending more time treating people with disordered eating, including children and cancer patients, a conference will hear today.
**Online ‘Wellness’ Misinformation is Fuelling Disordered Eating, Dietitian Warns**
A worrying trend is emerging as social media platforms become breeding grounds for misinformation about food and wellness, leading to a rise in disordered eating, particularly among vulnerable groups. This is the warning being sounded by Irish dietitians who are finding themselves increasingly occupied with treating the negative consequences of online fads and misleading advice.
The issue is set to be a key topic at a conference today, where experts will discuss the growing impact of unregulated content on people's eating habits and mental health. Dietitians report spending a significant portion of their time undoing the damage caused by inaccurate and often harmful information circulating online.
The problem isn't limited to young adults striving for unrealistic body ideals. Shockingly, dietitians are seeing a growing number of children and even cancer patients being affected by the pervasive "wellness" culture promoted on social media. This misinformation often takes the form of restrictive diets, demonization of certain food groups, and unsubstantiated claims about health benefits.
"The algorithms are designed to keep people engaged, and unfortunately, that often means pushing extreme or sensational content to the top," explains one dietitian, who wished to remain anonymous. "We're seeing children being put on restrictive diets by parents who have been influenced by unqualified influencers promoting these diets as healthy. And cancer patients, already dealing with so much, are being bombarded with misinformation about 'curing' their cancer through specific foods, often leading them to reject conventional, evidence-based treatment."
The rise in disordered eating is putting a strain on healthcare resources and highlighting the urgent need for greater regulation of online health content. Dietitians are urging individuals to be critical of the information they consume online and to consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making significant changes to their diet or lifestyle. They emphasize the importance of a balanced and sustainable approach to nutrition, based on scientific evidence rather than social media trends. The conference aims to raise awareness about the dangers of online misinformation and to equip healthcare professionals with the tools to combat its harmful effects.
A worrying trend is emerging as social media platforms become breeding grounds for misinformation about food and wellness, leading to a rise in disordered eating, particularly among vulnerable groups. This is the warning being sounded by Irish dietitians who are finding themselves increasingly occupied with treating the negative consequences of online fads and misleading advice.
The issue is set to be a key topic at a conference today, where experts will discuss the growing impact of unregulated content on people's eating habits and mental health. Dietitians report spending a significant portion of their time undoing the damage caused by inaccurate and often harmful information circulating online.
The problem isn't limited to young adults striving for unrealistic body ideals. Shockingly, dietitians are seeing a growing number of children and even cancer patients being affected by the pervasive "wellness" culture promoted on social media. This misinformation often takes the form of restrictive diets, demonization of certain food groups, and unsubstantiated claims about health benefits.
"The algorithms are designed to keep people engaged, and unfortunately, that often means pushing extreme or sensational content to the top," explains one dietitian, who wished to remain anonymous. "We're seeing children being put on restrictive diets by parents who have been influenced by unqualified influencers promoting these diets as healthy. And cancer patients, already dealing with so much, are being bombarded with misinformation about 'curing' their cancer through specific foods, often leading them to reject conventional, evidence-based treatment."
The rise in disordered eating is putting a strain on healthcare resources and highlighting the urgent need for greater regulation of online health content. Dietitians are urging individuals to be critical of the information they consume online and to consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making significant changes to their diet or lifestyle. They emphasize the importance of a balanced and sustainable approach to nutrition, based on scientific evidence rather than social media trends. The conference aims to raise awareness about the dangers of online misinformation and to equip healthcare professionals with the tools to combat its harmful effects.
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