Social media is full of nutrition advice, weight-loss plans, and promises of quick results. On TikTok and Instagram, influencers and content creators tell us what to eat, which foods to avoid, and how to lose weight in a short time.
However, having a large following or an impressive physique does not mean someone has the knowledge needed to guide other people’s nutrition responsibly. Popularity is not scientific training, and a viral video is not necessarily a reliable source of information.
When nutrition advice becomes risky
Short videos offering absolute instructions, such as “cut out carbohydrates,” “never eat this food again,” or “this drink burns fat,” often oversimplify nutrition.
In reality, there is no single diet that suits everyone. Individual needs depend on age, physical activity, medical history, and many other factors. Advice that seems harmless to one person may be unsuitable for someone with diabetes, kidney disease, or other specific health needs.
The same applies to crash diets and extreme food restrictions. They can encourage misconceptions, unnecessary limitations, and an unhealthy relationship with food.
Fitness trainer, influencer, or qualified dietitian?
Exercise and nutrition are connected, but they require different areas of scientific training. A fitness professional may have valuable knowledge of exercise and physical conditioning. This does not automatically qualify them to design individualized diet plans.
Similarly, an influencer may share personal experiences, but those experiences should not be presented as scientifically established guidance without the appropriate expertise.
In Greece, the profession of dietitian-nutritionist is regulated by a specific legal framework, including Presidential Decree 133/2014. Lawful practice requires the prescribed qualifications and compliance with the relevant procedures. Providing individualized dietetic services without the required qualifications may constitute unlawful professional practice. This does not mean that every general discussion of nutrition or personal experience shared online is illegal; the nature of the activity matters.
Eleven complaints concerning unlawful professional practice
This is not merely a theoretical issue. According to an ERTnews report published in October 2026, the Hellenic Association of Dietitians-Nutritionists had submitted 11 criminal complaints concerning alleged unlawful professional practice. Two involved physical premises, while nine concerned activity through social media.
These developments highlight the need to protect the public from services provided without the necessary professional qualifications. Criminal complaints, however, are not the same as convictions; the cases must be examined by the competent authorities.
The message is clear: the internet does not exempt anyone from the law, and our health should not be treated as an experiment.
What you gain from working with a dietitian
A dietitian-nutritionist who is legally qualified to practise does more than give you a list of meals. They assess your needs, habits, preferences, and goals to develop a plan that suits you and fits into your everyday life.
They can also help you distinguish evidence-based information from nutrition myths and set realistic goals. Success is not just about how quickly the number on the scale changes, but whether you can maintain healthier habits without excessive restrictions.
Before following a diet you saw on TikTok, ask who is recommending it, what qualifications they have, and which scientific evidence supports it. General information can be useful, but it does not replace individualized professional guidance.
My opinion
As a dietitian-nutritionist, I am concerned when nutrition is presented as an easy matter with magical solutions and guaranteed results. A video lasting just a few seconds can significantly influence someone’s choices and may even lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions.
Personal experience has its place, but it cannot replace scientific knowledge. My work is not about imposing strict rules; it is about helping each person understand their needs and develop a balanced relationship with food.
Before trusting a diet that has gone viral, I would encourage everyone to ask whether it is genuinely suitable for them. Our health deserves responsible guidance, scientific evidence, and respect for our individual needs.
