Exploring the perceived influence of social media use on disordered eating in nutrition and dietetics students

Abstract

BackgroundSocial media use (SMU) is increasingly widespread. More recently, SMU has been associated with increases in disordered eating; however, few qualitative studies have explored this issue in nutrition and dietetics students specifically, where susceptibility to disordered eating may be particularly high. The present study therefore aimed to investigate the perceived impact of SMU on disordered eating in nutrition and dietetics students.MethodsOne‐to‐one, in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with nutrition and dietetics students from universities across the UK. Interviews explored students’ views on the potential influence of SMU on their eating‐related thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Data were thematically analysed to identify key themes.ResultsThe findings suggested that SMU may provide students with a useful tool for the exploration of new recipes, ingredients and health‐related information, thus enabling them to improve their eating behaviour and diet quality. However, students also showed high levels of objective awareness regarding the problems associated with SMU, including the presence of misinformation, body image dissatisfaction, social pressures and disordered eating. Interestingly, despite enabling them to detect sources of misinformation, students also discussed the negative impact that their course had on their eating habits, suggesting course content may be an additional risk factor for the development of disordered eating for this particular group.ConclusionsFuture research should investigate ways to mitigate the negative impact of SMU and course content on disordered eating in nutrition and dietetics students.

Eating Attitudes, Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Dietetic Students and Association with Body Mass Index and Body Fat Percent: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In the total sample, the DASS score was 20 (11-36) (median, IQR). The scores for the depression, anxiety, and stress subcategories were 4 (1-9.2), 5 (2-10), and 11 (6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17), correspondingly (medians, IQR). Almost 22.9% of women and 30.3% of men experienced depression, while anxiety affected almost 39.7% of women and 35.3% of men.…”

“…In addition, the aforementioned conditions may adversely affect the mental health of some students, causing insecurity which, over time, may contribute to the appearance of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and other related conditions [2]. It is also noted that eating attitudes may differentiate or more intensively change in Dietetic students [7], since they have greater nutrition knowledge [8,9].…”

Gender Differences in Body Satisfaction Perception: The Role of Nutritional Habits, Psychological Traits, and Physical Activity in a Strength-Training Population

“…Recognizing and dissecting these gender-specific concerns is essential. It allows for the development of targeted interventions and societal reforms aimed at fostering healthier body satisfaction and self-perception for individuals of all genders, thereby addressing the unique challenges each gender faces [ 14 ].…”