Ezekiel Nwaigwe, Sarah Moran. 12/3/19.

Understanding Top 3 Trendy Diets 1

(1) Introduction/Literature review

This paper will discuss how three of the most popular fad diets trending for weight loss

and health: ketogenic diet, paleo diet, and vegan diet, respectively, are often followed by dieters

via social media. One of the major issues regarding these diet trends is that followers are often

influenced by unreliable sources which can give recommendations that are not evidence-based or

held in any measurable truth. According to a research study by the National Institutes of Health,

“A national survey in the US reported that nearly 60% of all adults accessed health information

online with over a quarter accessing it through social media” (Ramachandran et al., 2018). Based

on the former statistic, it is imperative that credible nutrition education be administered to

advocate the importance of taking caution when finding nutrition information online. It is

especially important to promote credible nutrition information on this topic as following advice

on any of these trendy diets from social media can also lead to vitamin/mineral deficiencies or

serious health complications.

If dieters choose to adopt new diets from social media sources and they are not done

carefully and/or practiced for a prolonged period of time, practicing dieters may experience a

variety of negative health effects. For example, some possible negative health effects from

following a ketogenic diet may include include a condition called ketoacidosis, in which the

body becomes acidic, liver failure, and inflamed pancreas (Masood & Uppaluri, 2019).

Some possible negative health effects from a paleo diet might include ​calcium and vitamin D

deficiency, and risk for kidney and heart disease from excess​ ​saturated fat and protein

consumption ​(UC Davis Health., 2015)​. Similarly, a few health risks from a vegan diet can

include ​deficiencies in protein, essential fatty acids, calcium, vitamin B12, vitamin D, zinc,
Ezekiel Nwaigwe, Sarah Moran. 12/3/19. Understanding Top 3 Trendy Diets 2

iodine, and iron, as well as unwanted weight loss (Rogerson, 2017). Because the risks can be

substantial, it is important to understand key determinants that play a role in dieters’ decision to

adopt new diets.

Based on the strong influence of social media convincing users to try out fad diets, some

critical determinants might include a combination of personal, behavioral, and environmental

influences. Because of the dynamic mix of determinants that all contribute to influence, we will

follow the Social Cognitive Theory on behavior change for our audience, as it seems to best

support behavior change with respect to the associated determinants. This theory is appropriate

because the population that is usually at risk for following fad diets tend to be heavily influenced

by social links, which include the use of social media. Subcategories of the determinants include

outcome expectations, in which an individual may expect positive physical, social, and/or

self-evaluative results from following social media influences, but may actually be on a path of

negative outcomes for the current behavior. Self-efficacy and personal agency/self-direction are

particularly important because if dieters are able to make personal decisions for themselves from

following social media, then this shows that they can be positively influenced to make decisions

based on facts. By educating our audience about food and nutrition facts, they will be able to

successfully develop positive behaviors. Lastly, a positive environment that supports behavior

change is crucial for this process. The Social Cognitive Theory utilizes proper modeling and

reinforcement techniques for social and environmental support. Because a negative

environmental determinant could be that dieters may attempt a new diet from influence by social

media, the objective, here, would be to teach our audience to consult credible sources as models,

as opposed to social media pages.

Ezekiel Nwaigwe, Sarah Moran. 12/3/19. Understanding Top 3 Trendy Diets 3

(2) Methods and Materials

For the lesson plan, the goal is first and foremost, to bring awareness to the audience

about the aforementioned fad diets, as well as associated risks. In addition, we hope to encourage

our audience to use credible sources when deciding to follow a specific diet plan. Three

objectives we would like to focus on will be to increase knowledge of fad diets (cognitive), to

enable our audience to feel confident about making sound dietary decisions (affective), and to

call our audience to action by encouraging them to reference credible sources when making

dietary decisions (psychomotor). This will be executed by first introducing our topic to the class,

and then by following up with questions about familiarity with the subject matter. Students will

then engage in a quiz game, where they will be awarded with different foods for answering

questions correctly.

The handout will be incorporated into our lesson plan by passing them out to students at

the beginning of our presentation. Students will then be able to follow along by viewing facts

and stats that are discussed during discussion. The aim of the handout is to help the class retain

information so that we may see change of favorable results in our survey.

(3) Results
i. Table and/or figures of survey data

Upon asking the class questions about whether or not they have heard of fad diets, only a

few have responded affirmatively. When specifically asked about the keto and paleo diets, about

half the class responded that they were familiar with the keto diet, and there was some confusion

about the paleo diet with respect to major food groups. On the other hand, the

post-survey revealed that 25/25 (100%) of the students from the class responded by stating that

they were now aware of the fad diets discussed. In addition, when asked about if they have tried
Ezekiel Nwaigwe, Sarah Moran. 12/3/19. Understanding Top 3 Trendy Diets 4

a fad diet before, 15/25 have responded that they have. Finally, when asked about whether or not

social media influences their eating habits, 14/25 students answered that it does.

(4) Discussion

According to the gathered survey results, 100% of the tested student population claimed

to have been introduced to Keto, vegan and/or paleo diet trends. Sixty percent of the twenty-five

students surveyed reported to trying at least one fad diet in the past. Another fifty-six percent

admitted that, to some degree, social media does affect their personal eating habits. The reported

class data was consistent with the research findings of the National Institutes of Health which

showed that more than 25% of people use social media for nutrition information (Ramachandran

et al., 2018).

The data gathered from the in-class survey was also consistent with the findings from The

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In a cross sectional research survey analyzing

social media use and its effects on eating concerns, it was found that between the ages of 19 and

32, participants who used social media frequently were more likely to develop “eating concerns”

compared to those who reported using social media less often (​Sidani & Shensa, 2016). These

findings relate to our overall lesson plan in demonstrating how increased social media use

influences eating habits in young adults. Furthermore, in a study completed by the Korean

Journal of Community Nutrition, it was found that participants claimed “mass media” was

commonly the main influence on physical factors contributing to diet changes (Kim & Lee,

2016). Therefore it can be determined that social media has a great influence on diet habits in

young adults who participate in social media. Although social media can be a means for healthy

diet changes, it can also be detrimental for those receiving false information.
Ezekiel Nwaigwe, Sarah Moran. 12/3/19. Understanding Top 3 Trendy Diets 5

In a recent 2019 study done by the University of Glasgow, it was found that of nine diet

influencers (containing over 800k followers), only one candidate passed a scrutinized credibility

test. The results of the test concluded that 90% of health information stated by diet influencers is

false (Sabbagh , 2019). When put into perspective, that means a majority of young adults who

use social media are prey to false, undisclosed, or misconstrued information by unreputable

sources.

Another study confirms this statement further, authors Cerri and Taheri found that of the

most relevant 48 “diet” and “weight loss” videos on Youtube, nearly half were unrelated to

weight loss, and moreover, 57% were not scientifically valid claims (Cerri & Taheri, 2012). As

social media expands in popularity and use, it has become increasingly more important for adults

to be educated on the false and unreliable information present all over the internet. It is also

important for adults to use discernment and find credible empirical nutritional facts based on

controlled scientific studies.

Group members worked well together and had successes in their presentation along with

a few adjustments. In her presentation, Sarah included the important use of empirical evidence

over anecdotal evidence, however this should have been expanded upon further to discuss how

one would find a credible nutrition related website. Ezekiel prepared information on the three

most popular diet fads at the moment, in the write up they were mentioned in detail with accurate

and scientific information. It would have been all the more effective if the three of these diets

were spoken about in greater detail during the presentation.

The one main limitation for success would have to be time. A lack of adequate time to

prepare a highly successful and measurable education session led to an unpolished presentation.
Ezekiel Nwaigwe, Sarah Moran. 12/3/19. Understanding Top 3 Trendy Diets 6

Miscommunication on talking points was one delta we had received from the class, as some

information was repeated during the presentation. In the future it would be beneficial to have a

greater communication on responsibilities during the presentation as to not sound repetitive.

(5) Conclusion

The main point of this lesson plan was to inform young adults to adults on the dangers of

social media and misrepresented health claims. The result of these dangers lead to experimenting

with fad diets such as the Keto, paleo or vegan diets which can lead to deficiencies and nutrition

related health issues. By informing our audience on the issues related to these diet, we give our

audience the power of discernment when coming in contact with these claims on social media.

This specific lesson plan was meant to engage our listeners by creating an interesting and

eye-catching infographic with important facts and reliable information. As adults, my partner and

I contemplated on what motivates us the most to participate or engage in a presentation, and we

decided that food and free objects were the strongest motivational stimulants. We determined

that a game with prizes was a way we felt we could grab the attention of our listener’s. By

offering a clear reward for sharing learned information, participants would have a greater

likelihood of retaining information.

Ezekiel Nwaigwe, Sarah Moran. 12/3/19. Understanding Top 3 Trendy Diets 7

REFERENCES

Anna E. Coates, Charlotte A. Hardman, Jason C.G. Halford, Paul Christiansen, Emma J. Social
Media Influencer Marketing and Children’s Food Intake: A Randomized TrialBoyland
Pediatrics Mar 2019, e20182554; DOI: 10.1542/peds.2018-2554

Cerri, E., Fisher, A., & Taheri, S. (2012). What is social media feeding you? A study of diet and
weight loss information available on YouTube. Appetite, 58(3), 1171.

Geijer, L.V., Ekelhund, M. (2015). Ketoacidosis associated with low-carbohydrate diet in a

non-diabetic lactating woman: a case report. Retrieved from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4591635/

Kim, H. J., Lee, A. R., & Kim, K. W. (2016). Perception on optimal diet, diet problems and
factors related to optimal diet among young adult women using focus group interviews:
Based on social cognitive theory. Korean Journal of Community Nutrition, 21(4),
332-343.

Masood, W., Uppaluri., K.R. (2019). Ketogenic Diet. Retrieved from

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499830/

Ramachandran, D., Kite, J., Vassallo, A. J., Chau, J. Y., Partridge, S., Freeman, B., & Gill, T.
(2018, September 21). Food Trends and Popular Nutrition Advice Online - Implications
for Public Health. Retrieved from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6194095/.

Rogerson, D. (2017, September 13). Vegan diets: practical advice for athletes and exercisers.
Retrieved from ​https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5598028/​.

Sabbagh C, et al. Assessing credibility of online nutritional information: Analysis of key

UK social media influencers’ weight management blogs. Presented at: European
Congress on Obesity; April 28-May 1, 2019; Glasgow, Scotland.

Sidani, J., Shensa, A., Hoffman, B., Hanmer, J., & Primack, B. (2016). The Association between
Social Media Use and Eating Concerns among US Young Adults. Journal of the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 116(9), 1465-1472.

UC Davis Health, & Department of Public Affairs and Marketing. (2015, June 10). Is the paleo
diet safe for your health? Retrieved from
https://health.ucdavis.edu/welcome/features/2014-2015/06/20150603_paleo-diet.html#:~​:
targetText=The typical paleo diet, however,heart disease and certain cancers.

https://www.up4probiotics.com/articles/health-crazes/
Ezekiel Nwaigwe, Sarah Moran. 12/3/19. Understanding Top 3 Trendy Diets 8

APPENDICES

SURVEY

Have you heard about the keto, paleo, and vegan diets?
25/25 (100%)

Have you tried a fad diet before?

15/25 (60%)

Does social media influence your eating habits?

14/25 (56%)
Ezekiel Nwaigwe, Sarah Moran. 12/3/19. Understanding Top 3 Trendy Diets 9
Ezekiel Nwaigwe, Sarah Moran. 12/3/19. Understanding Top 3 Trendy Diets 10

Nutrition Education Rubric

Names: ______________________________ Topic/Title:
______________________________

Paper - written (50 points): 1. Introduction/ Background / Selection:___/5 a. Catchy title?

2. Lesson plan: ___ 25 pts. a. Opening b. Goal c. Objectives (domains, generalization) d.
Content e. Materials f. Summary g. Evaluation 3. Discussion and Conclusion: ____20
pts.

Presentation (45 points): 1. Aligns with lesson plan: _____/10 pts 2. Effectiveness in
teaching: _____/30 pts (*15 points per person) 3. Appropriate for audience selected:___/3
pts 4. Use of props/equipment: ____ /2 pts Misc: a. Paper turned in on time (10% each
week late): b. Met presentation time limit (5 points off per 1 minute over 25 minutes): c.
Handout for peers on day of presentations (-2) d. Followed “APA Writing Guidelines”(-2 )

Nutrition education handout (5 points) 1. Logistics ____ / 1 pts. a. Free of

spelling/grammar errors b. Include your name, date and copyright c. Did it coordinate
with teaching/demonstration topic? d. Was it effective as a teaching tool? 2. Appearance
____ / 2 pts. a. Were graphics used effective in supporting lesson? b. Font choice, text
layout, amount c. Creativity 3. Comprehension _____ / 2pts. a. Appropriate reading
level? (SMOG calculation noted from class) b. Logical flow of education
Ezekiel Nwaigwe, Sarah Moran. 12/3/19. Understanding Top 3 Trendy Diets 11