Adherence
Engagement with 'fitspiration' social media content is associated with high levels of psychological distress, disordered eating risk, and compulsive exercise behaviors, despite users perceiving positive motivational benefits.
If you follow fitness influencers, be aware that while it may motivate you to exercise, it is also strongly linked to psychological distress and disordered eating patterns. Prioritize content from qualified experts or relatable 'everyday' people who discuss challenges honestly, rather than those promoting unattainable aesthetic ideals. Monitor your mental health and eating habits closely if you feel pressure to achieve a specific look.
Overall, 17.7% of participants were classified as high risk for an eating disorder, 17.4% reported very high levels of psychological distress, and 10.3% were at risk of addictive exercise behaviours.
Why this rating
Cross-sectional survey design limits causal inference; self-reported measures used.
Source
“I aspire to look and feel healthy like the posts convey”: engagement with fitness inspiration on social media and perceptions of its influence on health and wellbeing
Michelle Raggatt et al. · BMC Public Health · 2018
DOI 10.1186/s12889-018-5930-7
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