The importance of social media for weight loss diets is continuing to grow, with many fitness influencers using the platforms to promote information as well as their own diets. For many consumers, hearing other people’s views on diets could be the determining factor as to whether or not they pursue them in a bid to lose weight.
Online pharmacy Chemist4U has analysed the sentiment of Tweets and conversations around some of the most popular weight loss diets to discover what diets get people talking the most frequently and which are seen in a positive and negative light.
According to James O’Loan, CEO and prescribing pharmacist of Chemist4U: ‘The world of social media has and is continuing to play a big role in our everyday lives and when it comes to decision making around our health and wellbeing, it’s no different. Hearing other people’s experiences with diets can have a big influence on whether or not we too try that diet but it’s important to also think about taking these sentiments with a pinch of salt.’
Diets with the most positive tweets
- Mediterranean diet. Focussing on eating high amounts of vegetables, fruits, nuts, beats and fish with low levels of meat and dairy products – 74%
- Atkins diet. Emphasising the consumption of fat and protein but restricting carbohydrates – 68%
- Weight Watchers diet. Working around a point system, meal replacement and counselling – 67%
- Paleo diet. Consisting of foods thought to mirror those eaten by cavemen during the Palaeolithic era – 64%
- Vegetarian diet. Omitting meat products from the diet and focussing on vegetables and dairy products – 63%
Diets with the most negative tweets
- Noom. A subscription-based app focussing on establishing long term healthy habits – 42%
- SlimFast diet. Replacing meals with SlimFast shakes, smoothies or bars – 36%
- DASH diet. Consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy foods – 33%
- Intermittent fasting. Involving switching between fasting and eating on a regular schedule – 32%
- FODMAP diet. Limiting foods which can cause internal distress – 29%
Takeaway
Navigating the world of diets can be difficult, so James suggests: ‘Speaking to an expert nutritionist or dietitian is vitally important in attaining guidance and advice should you want to make a lifestyle change.’
