Most weight loss blogs on social media give BAD diet and fitness advice, experts warn
SLIMMERS cannot trust weight loss advice in diet blogs, experts say.
They found just one in nine of the most popular gave accurate information.
Some touted opinion as fact and failed to provide evidence for nutritional claims. And none of the bloggers’ meals met Public Health England calorie targets or traffic light criteria.
The Glasgow University team studied active weight management blogs which had more than 80,000 followers on at least one social media site.
They scored nine blogs against 12 credibility criteria. Writers passed the test if they met 70 per cent or more of the criteria.
Researchers also examined the ten latest recipes from each blog for energy content, carbohydrates, protein, fat, saturated fat, fibre, sugar and salt content.
MOST READ IN HEALTH
Only one blog — by a registered nutritionist with a degree — passed overall with 75 per cent.
The lowest score of 25 per cent was for an influencer without nutritional qualifications. Study boss Christina Sabbagh said: “The majority of blogs could not be credible sources of weight management information as they often presented opinion as fact and failed to meet nutritional criteria. This is potentially harmful.”
The team added: “All influencers should be required to meet accepted scientifically or medically justified criteria for the provision of weight management advice online.”
Sin taxes hit Brits hard
By Martin Beckford
BRITS pay some of the highest “sin taxes” in Europe, a report found.
Smokers are hit by the most expensive duty on tobacco while drinkers pay the second-highest rates on wine and beer.
Overall, the UK is the fourth-worst country out of 28 in the Nanny State Index, compiled by think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs.
And its experts claim there is no proof the tough laws make Britain a healthier place.
Christopher Snowdon, of the IEA, said: “The war on fun is all pain and no gain.”
The report says the Government’s approach to regulating food, soft drinks, tobacco and booze is “highly paternalistic”.
It adds the only area where Britain is liberal is vaping, which is not taxed like cigs.
Bottle-fed babies fatter
BOTTLE-fed babies are a quarter more likely to be fat, a study found.
But in some countries the risk of being tubby was up to 86 per cent higher, said the World Health Organisation.
Experts say boosting breastfeeding rates could tackle the UK’s childhood fat epidemic.
One in three kids leave primary school overweight.
Dr Joao Breda said: “Breastfeeding has a strong protective effect.”
- GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]