Do TikTok Diets Work? Experts Debunk 4 Popular Weight Loss Trends
A new year is synonymous with a fresh start for many people all over the globe. January is often seen as the perfect opportunity to kickstart a new diet or fitness regimen.
Do TikTok Diets Work? Experts Debunk 4 Popular Weight Loss Trends
Rather than reaching out to a healthcare professional, however, many are turning to the internet for support and guidance. A survey, by the communications platform Sortlist, found that one in five social media users trust influencers more than health specialists. The results also found that 47 percent of the 1,000 respondents used social media as their primary health information source.
Do TikTok Diets Work? Experts Debunk 4 Popular Weight Loss Trends
However, this approach to achieving your dream body may be harmful, as the weight loss methods promoted are often quick fixes that aren’t sustainable.
Do TikTok Diets Work? Experts Debunk 4 Popular Weight Loss Trends
Newsweek researched TikTok crazes and reached out to a number of experts to find out more about juice cleanses, the carnivore diet, volume eating, and more.
Do TikTok Diets Work? Experts Debunk 4 Popular Weight Loss Trends
Kiana Ballew, 26, praised juice cleansing for her weight loss. However, Ballew said clean eating and regular exercise is the key to maintaining those results.
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Do TikTok Diets Work? Experts Debunk 4 Popular Weight Loss Trends
‘You Should Not Use TikTok or Social Media for Health and Fitness Information’
According to the Boston Medical Center, an estimated 45 million Americans go on a diet per year. Newsweek spoke to Denise Cervantes, a personal trainer, who advises people against relying solely on TikTok for health information.
Do TikTok Diets Work? Experts Debunk 4 Popular Weight Loss Trends
She said: “Social media influencers’ goal is to go viral. To go viral, they must post and create extreme, attention-grabbing videos. Influencers develop attention-grabbing titles to grab your attention when folks are perusing social media, making them stop and watch.
“Most health and fitness posts aim to hook consumers to keep them watching. Unfortunately, the health and fitness industry is a problem, and extreme opinions are amplified, misleading, and flat-out wrong. How often have you seen videos that state, ‘The secret to getting a slimmer waist and bigger butt,’ or ‘6-pack abs secrets you never knew about?'”
Cervantes pointed out that creators and influencers on social media are all fighting for followers and likes. “A guaranteed way to get ahead in social media is being extreme. Unfortunately, knowledgeable, reasonable…