Media Projects the Idea of a Perfect Body
Sometimes, the media may be the trendsetter when it comes to what is popular or spoken about. Media can influence the public’s perception drastically. Media sometimes does this intentionally by producing more content revolving around a specific topic. This is called Agenda Setting Theory. (Coleman et al., 2008) One of the most popular topics across media is health and wellness, especially social media. Due to the obesity epidemic, it is a topic that will likely spark interest and attract viewership, especially because these diets may seem like magic solutions to weight loss. (Tahreem et al., 2022)
It is no secret that the media often projects the sense that people need to have ideal bodies. Body image and its relation to media is a topic that has been discussed extensively over the years. There have been differences made, but people still may feel pressured to look a certain way because of how media influences them. A study from the American Psychological Association reported that by decreasing the amount of time spent on social media improves youth’s self-image. (Thai et al., 2023)
Fad dieting is not the magic solution it is made out to be across different media outlets. When losing weight rapidly, much of that weight may be water and muscle, not just fat. This can be dangerous. Especially if those dieting are not getting enough exercise. Some fad diets may provide health benefits, but each one is different, and often comes with drawbacks. “Fad diets have been linked with many physiological conditions such as cardiovascular disease, renal dysfunction and osteoporosis as well as psychological implications like eating disorders and depression.” (Khawandanah et al., 2016) Those looking to start a popular diet must do extensive research on that particular plan, or consult a professional.
RQ1: How does media affect the popularity of fad diets in society?
Exposure
The world of fitness is constantly going through changes. There are now “fitness influencers” who have dedicated their career to spreading their message of fitness on social media. They also give tips on dieting, usually catered to fat loss. Fitness influencer’s bodies are their brands. Many influencers make their results seem attainable for everyone, but is that realistic? Fitness influencers spend much more time working out than the average person. To make money, they sometimes take endorsement deals with companies that have a product or plan that may be framed as essential. An influencer may make the products look like one of their go-to products to achieve their physique, but they did not use the product or program until recently, deceiving their audience into purchasing. (Silva et al., 2021) This is not the case for every fitness influencer, but it is still a problem.
Media uses message appeals to get consumers to act a certain way. One type of message appeal is guilt. Media may make consumers feel guilty over their fitness level. Being exposed to the “ideal bodies” on social media and media in general has been shown to have a negative effect on body image and lowers self-esteem, often initiating dietary changes. This can lead to eating disorders. A study conducted with nutrition students, most participants felt influenced by social media to cut out unhealthy foods and influenced their diet. A majority also felt that social media altered their perception of their own bodies. It was found that those who let social media influence their choices showed more characteristics of orthorexia nervosa, an eating disorder. They also found that engaging in fad dieting may lead to orthorexia nervosa. (Ganen et al. 2020)
Exposure to this content is shown to be “associated with higher body dissatisfaction, dieting/restricting food, overeating, and choosing healthy foods.” (Rounsefell, 2019) Negative perceptions of one’s body image increases the chances of unhealthy dieting. Being exposed to content focusing on fitness and diet induces self-judgment. These posts are often enhanced or edited, setting unrealistic expectations and unfair comparisons. (Rounsefell, 2019)
RQ2: How does exposure to fad diets affect consumers?
Success and Consequence
Fad diets are quite divisive. These diets are typically difficult and follow a strict set of guidelines. One reason some say they are not a good way to attempt weight loss is because they are unrealistic, or unobtainable. Fad diets are not designed for long term use, which may lead to side effects. (Khawandanah et al. 2016) Many experts agree that changes to lifestyle and diet, such as improving the quality of food consumed, is the best way to approach physical fitness. (Darby, 2016)
What about for the average person? This would depend on which of these the person would try. Some fad diets are more difficult than others. For instance, the ketogenic diet is quite strict and complicated. When following keto, it may lead to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, discomfort, among others. The keto diet has been shown to help those suffering from seizures and other neurological illnesses. These illnesses include Alzheimer’s, depression, Parkinson’s, narcolepsy, and more. (Tahreem et al. 2022)
Intermittent fasting has become one of the most popular fad diets. This diet is less focused on what is eaten, and more on when a person eats. This diet restricts the time a person may eat. It is derived from how our ancestors ate during the times of hunting and gathering. One of the main points of intermittent fasting is to restrict calorie intake for that day. Participants may find it much more difficult to squeeze in 2,000 calories within a certain timeframe, making them feel fuller, making it easier to achieve the desired calorie deficit. In addition to this, during the fast, the body will use up its sugar and start burning the stored fat as a source of energy. (Johns Hopkins Medicine)
Going vegan has become extremely popular as well. The vegan diet is quite simple, the participant does not consume any animal products at all. Going vegan may increase the intake of certain nutritional needs, like iron and fiber, while eating less calories, fats, and cholesterol. Some negative effects of going vegan are not getting enough of other nutrients such as, vitamin D and B12, calcium and zinc. (Winston, 2023)
RQ3: Are these diets suitable for the average person?
