The Food education He has experienced a radical transformation in recent years. What was previously limited to consultations in offices and recommendations in hospitals, today is available to a click on Social networks such as Instagram, Tiktok and YouTube.
Digital platforms allowed Nutriologists They reach a much broader audience, offering tips based on scientific evidence and denialing food myths. “Social networks have transformed the way in which nutritional information is disseminated. There is valuable content, but also proliferate mirats and miracle diets without scientific foundation,” he said in an interview for The economist he Luis Ortiz HernándezTeacher in the Bachelor of Human Nutrition and Researcher at the Autonomous University of Mexico (UAM).
However, mass access to information has also generated a problem: Proliferation of deceptive contentpromoted by influencers without academic training in nutrition.
Disinformation in networks: between miracle diets and nutritional myths
Although the nutritional content in networks can be valuable, there is also a growing wave of misinformation. “Miraculous” diets, detox challenges and recommendations without scientific basis have put the health of many people at risk.
“A Tiktok or Instagram advice cannot replace a personalized consultation. A nutritionist must make a comprehensive evaluation before suggesting any strategy,” says Ortiz Hernández.
For its part, Ximena Atilano Carsiresearcher at the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán and Teacher at UNAM, highlights that “many influencers promote products and diets without scientific foundation. It is crucial that patients verify the training of those who give nutrition advice in social networks.”
Another frequent problem is the promotion of supplements without medical evidence. “The Sale of supplements in pyramidal schemeswhere people without training sell products with unreal promises, can seriously affect people’s health, “explains Atilano Carsi.
How to identify reliable nutritional advice on social networks
Given misinformation, it is essential to learn to differentiate between reliable information and deceptive content. Expectations recommend:
- Verify professional training. A certified nutritionist must have a university degree and professional card.
- Doubt extreme promises. “If an influencer promises rapid weight loss with miraculous methods, it is better to distrust,” warns Dr. Ortiz Hernández.
- Avoid recommendations without customization. Each person has specific needs, and what works for one, does not necessarily serve another.
- Check if the professional prescribes medications. “A nutritionist should not prescribe medications, since it is not part of our competences,” says Dr. Atilano Carsi. If necessary, they can suggest supplementation, but also, only with tests.
- In addition, institutions such as Mexican Colegio de Nutriologos They offer listings of certified professionals to ensure adequate care.
NATIONAL DEL OF THE NUTRIOGUE
He January 27 The National Nutriologist Day is celebrated in Mexicoa date to highlight the importance of these professionals in public health. However, the guild’s work reality faces significant challenges.
According to the National Occupation and Employment Survey (ENOE), in the Third Quarter of 2024, the Nutritional Work Force in Mexico reached 9.83 thousand people, with an average salary of 12,900 pesos per month. However, there is considerable salary disparity: men perceive on average 20,200 pesos while women earn 8,740 pesos.
In addition, according to the Norma Ramos Ibáñezalso a professor in the degree in Human Nutrition and researcher at the UAM: “Not all health centers have a nutritionist, and many times the attention depends on interns in social service.” This limits access to quality nutritional carepushing many professionals to exercise in private offices, where not everyone can pay the service.
Despite these challenges, nutritionists continue to play a key role in public health. “If we improve access to nutritional care, we can prevent many diseases before they become serious problems,” said Ramos Ibáñez.
Nutrition as a health tool and prevention
The impact of good health is undeniable. The National Survey of Continuous Health and Nutrition 2023 (Ensenut) revealed that 76.3% of the adult population in Mexico has overweight or obesity, conditions that increase the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
“Changes in food can generate immediate improvements. For example, a person with gastritis that stops consuming irritating will see a quick improvement,” said Dr. Ramos Ibáñez. Small diet settingssuch as increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables and reducing refined sugar, can make a big difference in cardiovascular and metabolic health.
This type of food is gaining ground among consumers.
Commitment of nutritionists in the digital era
The doctor Manuel López Cabanillas LomelíPresident of the Mexican Association of Members of Faculties and Schools of Nutrition AC (AMMFEN), highlights the need for nutritionists to assume their role as health communicators in an environment where information is accessible, but not always verified.
“Technology and scientific progress have given us new communication tools, but they have also opened the door to misinformation. As nutritionists, we must adapt to society and respond to their demands with clear messages, based on scientific evidence and transmitted with ethics , “says López Cabanillas.
In a digital world where speed and virality often exceed veracity, nutrition professionals have the opportunity to become reliable referents. “Social networks must be an education channel, but with responsibility. Each recommendation we make can impact people’s health, so it is essential that each advice has scientific support and not just a passing trend“emphasizes the specialist.
To ensure that information about networks in networks is reliable, it is essential that Nutriologists continue to train and that the public learns to filter the sources Information the specialists consulted coincide. Only in this way, the digital revolution in nutrition may be an effective tool to improve the public health and well -being of the population.
