Identification of Unqualified Nutrition Advice on Social Media
Social media influencers significantly impact public health information and the correct diet approach. A problem may occur if these content creators give advice that needs to be supported by peer-reviewed articles or may even harm users who decide to follow these instructions. A typical example of this trend is dietary recommendations, especially for weight loss. A user @tayslifestylechange suggests using Garcinia Cambogia to lose weight quickly. However, they do not present possible side effects and contraindications that may harm their viewers.
Analysis of the Incorrect Nutrition Advice and AMA Citation
The data on Garcinia Cambogia is a plant commonly suggested as a weight loss supplement that grants quick results and requires no exercise. Nevertheless, several studies state that the adverse effects of consuming this plant may cause severe health conditions. One of the most common conditions is liver injury, based on the increased hospitalization rate among liver transplants. Other cases include Garnicia-induced rhabdomyolysis, dizziness, increased appetite, nausea, myocarditis, and mental confusion. All of these states demand medical assistance, which could be prevented by listing the side effects on the package.
Review of Influencer’s Credentials and Qualification Assessment
The creator engagingly talks about this product, listing the benefits of taking the supplements and accenting the supposed lack of side effects, which motivates her viewers to try Garnicia themselves. However, her claims do not have scientific proof and omit possible negative results. This problem is partially addressed in the comments as the viewers ask about the consequences and mechanisms of this method. The content creator replies that the adverse effects are not severe and denies that this supplement is a laxative without elaborating on the actual pharmacodynamics.
This person is not qualified to give nutritional recommendations because they do not mention their education or training. However, their approach to advertising this product as an effective and safe weight loss method leads their audience to buy and use it, which may lead to harmful complications, especially among those with preexisting liver medical conditions.
Reference List
- @tayslifestylechange. More about garcinia cambogia. TikTok. Web.
- Vuppalanchi R, Bonkovsky HL, Ahmad J, et al. Garcinia cambogia, either alone or in combination with green tea, causes moderate to severe liver injury. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2022;20(6):1416-1425. Web.
- Zothantluanga JH, Lalnunpuii HS, Bhat HR, Shakya A. awareness on the possible adverse effects of Garcinia Cambogia: A scientific approach. Science Vision. 2020;19(4):120-133. Web.