What WhatsApp groups are to the Boomer generation, self- improvement content on social media platforms is to millennials and gen zers. But is it wise to rely on influencers for health and wellness guidance? If yes, then to what extent? And how we you check the credibility of the information we are consuming?

Let us start by analysing a real instance: An Australian influencer Belle Gibson gained widespread attention in 2016 by claiming she had successfully treated her brain cancer using nothing but natural medicine, alternative medicine and diet adjustments such as incorporating apple cider vinegar (ACV). 

This influencer, whose story captivated thousands, went viral with her claims of curing a serious illness using a seemingly benign, popular home remedy. Her followers, who were seeking alternatives to traditional medical treatments, were drawn in by her confident declarations and personal story.

However, to everyone’s surprise it was later revealed that Belle Gibson, the same influencer, never had brain cancer. Her diagnosis, treatment, and miraculous recovery were entirely fabricated. Everything was cooked to gain publicity and make money. All of this while misleading her audience about the dangers of relying on unproven wellness methods over medical care. Also, because her application and recipes were popular, she benefited as people downloaded her app because of her claims.

This case exemplifies the dangers of trusting unqualified influencers with health and wellness advice. It highlights how easily false narratives can be spun, especially in the age of social media, where credibility is often granted based on popularity rather than expertise. 

While it’s understandable that someone suffering from serious diseases might want to explore alternative treatments, it’s crucial to differentiate between anecdotal evidence and scientifically-backed medical advice. The influencer's qualifications? None. She had no formal education or credentials in healthcare, nutrition, or oncology.
This situation underscores a broader issue in the wellness space: the rise of unqualified individuals giving health advice to make money out of the same.

 

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How to Spot the Difference Between Real Experts and Pseudoscience Peddlers

While influencers can be a source of inspiration and motivation, it’s crucial to exercise caution when it comes to health advice. Always ask yourself: Does this person have the qualifications and experience to give this advice? Just because someone has a large following or a compelling personal story doesn’t mean they have the expertise to guide you on your health journey.

Here are a few key guidelines to help you navigate the wellness influencer space and ensure the advice you’re receiving is from a credible source:

Check Credentials

A legitimate health or wellness expert should have formal training or certifications in their field. Look for degrees, certifications, and licenses from reputable institutions. For example, a nutritionist should have formal qualifications in dietetics, and a fitness guru should be certified by recognised fitness organisations like NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine). Another way to check is more often that not most qualified experts only give information on the topic that they are trained for. They consciously refrain from giving advice on other topics as they do not have expertise in that particular subject.

In addition to degrees and certifications, it’s also important to verify whether the expert is actively registered or licensed with professional bodies or organisations in their field. For example, a licensed dietitian might be registered with the Indian Dietetic Association (IDA) or a certified fitness trainer could be a member of organisations like the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) or ACE (American Council on Exercise).

 

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Research Their Background

Google the influencer’s name to see what kind of training or experience they have. Are they a registered dietitian, licensed therapist, or certified fitness professional? Or are they simply promoting products they’ve never been professionally trained to understand? Be cautious of individuals who promote miracle cures or treatments without proper qualifications.
One can do this by scanning their social media profiles, websites, or blogs to look for any information they share about their qualifications or professional credentials. If they claim to be a certified professional, check for supporting evidence such as certifications, degrees, or licenses. Also check that are they getting a financial kickback for promoting a product? Most honest influencers will label the promotion as an ad and they would be transparent about their financial ties to the product/brand to not keep you in dark.

 

Evaluate Their Advice for Scientific Backing

Health advice should always be rooted in scientific research and clinical evidence. When influencers recommend treatments like apple cider vinegar, essential oils, or detox programs, dig deeper to see if there’s any real science supporting these claims. Many claims are based on individual experiences, which can be highly misleading.
To evaluate health advice critically, start by researching the treatment or product mentioned in trusted scientific databases like PubMed or Google Scholar. Look for peer-reviewed studies or clinical trials published in reputable journals that support or challenge the claims being made. Pay attention to whether the advice is generalised or if it is specific to individual circumstances. Check if the expert or influencer references reliable sources or studies in their advice. You can also look for expert opinions or recommendations from recognised organisations, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) or National Institutes of Health (NIH), as they provide evidence-based guidelines. 

 

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Beware of Quick Fixes and Extreme Claims

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of influencers who promise rapid weight loss, instant cures for chronic conditions, or miraculous detoxes. Real health and wellness progress takes time and requires a holistic approach that includes professional guidance. It never works like a magical wand and it promises it to be, then there is something to be vigilant about.
For example, influencers might claim that a particular detox tea or cleanse can help you lose 10 kg in a week or reverse chronic conditions like diabetes overnight. However, these claims are often unsubstantiated and dangerous. A popular example is the “detox tonic” trend, where influencers promote products that claim to cleanse your body of parasites or other toxins . Many of these products are nothing more than laxatives or diuretics, which can lead to dehydration, nutritional imbalances, and even long-term damage to your digestive system. 

 

Be Skeptical of Self-Diagnosis

It’s easy to fall into the trap of trusting someone who claims to have “figured it out” for themselves, especially when it comes to health issues. However, self-diagnosis based on personal anecdotes or experiences is not a reliable or safe approach to addressing health concerns. For example, an influencer might share their success story about curing chronic fatigue syndrome by following a specific diet or taking a particular supplement. While their personal experience may seem convincing, it’s crucial to understand that what worked for them may not work for everyone, and their condition may not be the same as yours. Self-diagnosing and self-treating can lead to serious consequences, such as misdiagnosis or delayed treatment for underlying conditions. 

A proper diagnosis, including any treatment recommendations, should always come from a licensed healthcare provider who can evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and provide evidence-based guidance. For instance, someone self-diagnosing their anxiety as simply "stress" might overlook a more serious underlying condition like generalised anxiety disorder or depression that requires professional care. Always consult a healthcare professional to ensure you receive the right diagnosis and treatment plan for your individual needs.

 

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Simple Ways to Check the Authenticity and Credibility of Influencers

Although, this is not an exhaustive list, but here is what you should check upon before believing and investing your time and money on it. 

 

1.For Nutritionists/Dietitians

Qualifications and Certifications:
A qualified nutritionist or dietitian in India should have a degree in Dietetics or Nutrition from a recognised university or institution.

Relevant Degrees and Courses:

• BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics or BSc Home Science with a specialisation in Nutrition
• Master's in Dietetics and Food Service Management (MSc in Dietetics)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics and Public Health Nutrition

Certifications to Look For:

• Registered Dietitian (RD) certification from the Indian Dietetic Association (IDA)
• Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) from the American Society for Nutrition (if international certification is relevant)
• Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) if the expert specialises in diabetes management

Reputable Institutions for Training:

• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
• National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad

2. Fitness Trainers

Qualifications and Certifications:
A certified fitness trainer should have formal education or recognised certification in fitness training, exercise science, or physical education.

Relevant Degrees and Courses:

• Bachelor of Physical Education (B.P.Ed.)
• Master of Physical Education (M.P.Ed.)
• Bachelor's in Sports Science or Exercise Science

Fitness Certification to Look For:

• Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) from organisations like the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
• Certified Fitness Trainer (CFT) from ACE (American Council on Exercise)
• Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association)

 

3. Yoga Instructors

Qualifications and Certifications:
Yoga instructors in India should ideally be trained under recognised yoga training programs that adhere to traditional practices as well as modern techniques.

Relevant Degrees and Courses:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Yoga (from a recognised university)
• Certificate or Diploma in Yoga Studies
• Post Graduate Diploma in Yoga Therapy

Certifications to Look For:

• RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) from the Yoga Alliance (Global certification body)
• Yoga Instructor Certification from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, New Delhi
• Yoga Therapy Certification from recognised institutions such as SVYASA (Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana), Bangalore

 

4. Mental Health Experts (Counselors/Therapists)

Qualifications and Certifications:
Mental health professionals, like counselors or therapists, should have academic qualifications in psychology, counseling, or social work.

Relevant Degrees and Courses:

• BA or MA in Psychology
• Master’s in Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology
• Post Graduate Diploma in Mental Health and Counseling

Certifications to Look For:

• Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) from recognised Indian boards
• Certified Mental Health Counselor from the Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists (IACP)
• Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT) or Certified Psychotherapist

 

5. Ayurvedic Practitioners

Qualifications and Certifications:
Ayurvedic experts or practitioners must be trained in the traditional Indian healing system of Ayurveda.

Relevant Degrees and Courses:

• Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)
• Master’s in Ayurveda (MD/MS in Ayurveda)
• Diploma or Certification in Ayurvedic Therapy

Certifications to Look For:

• Registered Ayurvedic Practitioner (RAP) from recognized state medical boards in India
• Certification in Panchakarma Therapy or Ayurvedic Herbology from institutions like Kerala Ayurveda Academy