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Social media is filled with posts about fitness and healthy eating aiming to inspire and encourage better lifestyles. However, a new large review study led by an Olympic athlete reveals that this seemingly motivational content can sometimes have unexpected negative impacts on the health and well-being of young adults.

Study finds harmful side effects

Findings, published in the journal Health Communication , suggest that even short-term exposure to these posts can have unhealthy consequences, leaving the viewers with reduced self-esteem, feeling unhappy about their looks and potentially having unhealthy motivations around their health and well-being.

The outcomes follow an extensive analysis of 26 studies involving 6,111 individuals aged 18 to 33 years across seven countries, examining how exposure to "fitspiration" content on social media—posts promoting exercise, healthy eating and idealized, toned bodies—affects health-related outcomes.

Olympian researcher behind the…