If a TikTok account or social media influencer is trying to get you to change your diet, be careful. UW Extension Food Health scientist Dr. Beth Olsen says many influencers are just trying to sell you a meal plan or supplement. A good rule of thumb is to check to see if the clip you’re watching has a paid advertising link attached, or if the person on the video is offering you to buy a course or meal plan.
“The worst case is you buy a bunch of something and consume it or go on a diet or take some kind of supplement and you actually cause yourself harm because it didn’t have the evidence behind it that it actually could be helpful.” Olsen says it’s best to turn to your doctor when picking a nutrition plan.
“Make sure to mention it to them. Because some people are taking medications that interact with a supplement. And if you don’t tell them, they won’t know and be able to help you navigate that.” Watch out for anyone telling you to entirely cut a type of food or a specific brand out of your diet, or to only eat certain things. That sort of advice should only be offered by your doctor or nutritionist.
Olsen says going it alone carries the risk of cutting out something you may need in your diet or doing serious harm to yourself without realizing it.
Raymond Neupert, Reporter/Anchor