Now Reading: Over half of people alter diets due to social media: study
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Over half of people alter diets due to social media: study
A study published in Mental Health Science found that more than half of over 1,000 participants changed their dietary habits because of social media. Nearly 75% were inspired by healthy food content…
The Story in Brief
A study published in Mental Health Science found that more than half of over 1,000 participants changed their dietary habits because of social media. Nearly 75% were inspired by healthy food content to make better choices. However, the platform also promotes binge-eating, with algorithm-driven exposure to junk food and mindless snacking while scrolling.
The Hindu reports that many consumers now fear all processed foods, yet processing ranges from simple washing to fermentation, often boosting nutrients and safety. Consumers should evaluate ingredients and frequency of consumption rather than relying on marketing claims like 'natural' or 'no added sugar'.
The Indian Opinion
The rise of nutrition influencers has made Indians more conscious of what they eat, but it has also created unnecessary fear around processed foods. The truth is that not all processing is bad, and not all 'natural' food is good. Instead of chasing fads like protein-maxxing or demonising carbs, consumers should focus on balanced, traditional diets with occasional treats. Will we learn to read ingredient lists before we trust a label?
Sources (2): thehindu.com, thehindu.com (2)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
