Impact of Social Media Influencers On the Dietary Choices of University Students In Relation To Obesity

Abstract

Background & Aims:  Social Media is a tool which engages people in virtual groups, and networks to produce, share, and exchange information and ideas about anything. Social media has significantly influenced the dietary choices of people as they follow the diet promoted by social media influencers. The aim of this study was to determine the social media influencer’s impact on the dietary choices of university going students in relation to obesity. Methodology: The sample size of 60 was included in the study which were university students of NIU ranging from 18-30 years with an access to social media on dietary choices. This cross sectional study was conducted by self-structured questionnaire including weight history and BMI along with some additional questions related to social media usage and its effect on health. Results: Research participants answered about their weight history, BMI, impact of social media, influenced by social media influencers, diet and its impact on health. Conclusion: The study revealed that majority of the participants do not experienced a gain in their body weight after having the diet promoted by social media and its influencers. This shows that social media have positive impact on people health but it do have negative impact too which will leads to obesity