There are a few not influencers but people who provide insightful information and do not showcase it either be it fitness,studies or education and health being an important factor in everyone’s lives should be addressed with specific and given information.
We cannot trust social media completely. And be aware of whom you follow. Check the influencers background, education, expertise in the field before to follow their work.
Yess , one should always consult an expert
Yes, I think it is high time social media companies place strict mandates on who sells what information to the public and how they do it. Any type of business account must be registered to fall within a certain category eg. entertainment, medicine, eduction etc. and content creators must strictly adhere to that. Any forms of irrelevant or misinformed content must be taken down.
Yes, influencers spreading health advice do need regulation, and governments are increasingly recognizing this. In India, for example, the Department of Consumer Affairs has issued Additional Guidelines specifically for celebrities, influencers, and virtual influencers in the health and wellness space. This measure is necessary in order to
• Preventing misinformation: Unverified health claims can mislead audiences and pose serious risks.
• Protecting public health: Advice on disease prevention, treatment, or immunity boosting should come from qualified professionals.
• Ensuring transparency: Influencers often promote products for commercial gain, which can bias their recommendations.
Guidelines in India which implies that
• Influencers must disclose if they are certified health or fitness experts.
• If they present themselves as medical practitioners, they must clearly state disclaimers that their advice is not a substitute for professional medical consultation.
Rules apply to claims about:
• Nutraceuticals and supplements
• Disease prevention or treatment
• Recovery methods or immunity boosters
General wellness tips like “drink water” or “exercise regularly” are exempt, unless tied to specific products or health outcomes.
I believe health advice online needs more oversight. In India, recent rules now require influencers giving health or nutrition tips to disclose their qualifications and clearly state when something is just personal opinion not professional guidance. It’s a good step, because misleading posts like miracle cures or unverified routines.
It would be even better to see platforms and regulators ensure these rules are followed. A transparent health space protects everyone.