Title: Concerns Raised Over Unscientific Dieting Advice on TikTok
Subtitle: Nutritionist warns against following dietary trends endorsed by influencers on the platform
Date: August 13, 2023
In a world dominated by social media and influencer culture, it comes as no surprise that popular video-sharing platform TikTok is filled with dieting advice. However, a nutritionist has raised concerns about the lack of scientific evidence behind many of these trends and their potential to promote unhealthy relationships with food.
Speaking to Femail, nutritionist Kate Llewellyn-Waters highlighted the dangers associated with following dietary advice from influencers who often lack the necessary nutrition or science background. She emphasized that such trends can mislead vulnerable individuals, particularly young adults and teens susceptible to developing eating disorders.
While some TikTok hacks offer useful advice, Kate shared her expert opinion on a few popular trends that should be approached with caution.
Lettuce Water: One trend claimed that steeping lettuce in hot water and drinking it helps with sleep. However, Kate pointed out that there are no human studies supporting this claim. Instead, she recommended having a warm bath before bed and avoiding social media and electronic devices to improve sleep quality.
Lemon Coffee for Weight Loss: Adding half a squeezed lemon to a cup of coffee supposedly aids in weight loss, according to TikTok foodies. Nevertheless, Kate stressed that while both lemon juice and coffee offer health benefits individually, there is no conclusive evidence supporting the idea that their combination promotes weight loss. She suggested opting for water with lemon instead of sugar-sweetened soft drinks for weight management.
Cucumber Dipped in Stevia: Social media users claim that combining cucumber and stevia creates a taste similar to watermelon, making it a healthier snack option. However, Kate mentioned mixed reviews regarding the taste. She recommended eating watermelon in moderation as a sweet snack and pairing it with other fiber or protein-rich foods to prevent blood sugar spikes.
Juice Diets: Many social stars claim to shed significant weight on juice diets. Kate acknowledged that juice cleansing has been used to jumpstart health and weight loss journeys; however, she cautioned against promising quick weight loss results. While juice fasts may lead to initial weight loss, prolonged use without sufficient scientific evidence can result in weight gain once individuals return to their regular diet. She suggested focusing on a variety of plant-based foods and cautioned against juice fasting for people with diabetes, kidney, or liver disease.
Cucumber Bagel: The trend of replacing bagels with cucumber and spreading cream cheese on it may appeal to those following a ketogenic food plan. However, Kate recommended opting for wholegrain or rye bagels over white ones due to their higher fiber content, which promotes gut health and a feeling of fullness.
In conclusion, while TikTok is brimming with dieting advice, it is crucial to approach these trends with skepticism and consult qualified healthcare professionals or nutritionists for personalized guidance. The impact of unverified dietary advice should not be underestimated, especially when it comes to vulnerable individuals who may be influenced by misleading content.
Kate Llewellyn-Waters is a respected nutritionist and author, known for her expertise in the field of nutrition and her role as the resident nutritionist on C5’s ‘You Are What You Eat.’
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on expert opinion and should not replace professional medical advice.