Misinformation About Weight Loss on Social Media with Dr. Farrah Deshmukh
Have you ever followed a health tip you saw on social media—only to later find out it wasn’t actually backed by science?
You’re not alone. In today’s episode, we’re digging into the myths, misinformation, and half-truths that flood our feeds with Dr. Farrah Deshmukh, a board-certified internal medicine and obesity medicine physician. Dr. Deshmukh completed a two-year fellowship in obesity medicine and nutrition at Northwell Health in New York and now serves as the Director of the Obesity and Lifestyle Medicine Program at Hackensack Meridian Health in New Jersey. She also actively researches how social media influences what people believe about nutrition and weight—and today, she’s breaking down the most common misconceptions she sees, how to spot unreliable advice, and what questions to ask before trusting what’s trending.
Curious about which myths are most common—and how to protect yourself from bad advice? Keep reading.
The Truth Behind Nutrition Myths and Misinformation
Social media is overflowing with health and nutrition advice but not all of it is accurate. While some posts can offer useful tips, much of the content shared online is misleading, oversimplified, or just plain incorrect. This creates confusion, especially when patients come into the clinic with questions or strong beliefs based on what they’ve seen online.
One topic that often comes up is supplements. Patients frequently mention trendy, expensive brands they’ve seen promoted on social media. These products usually come with sleek packaging and bold claims, but the science behind them doesn’t always hold up. It’s worth asking: Who’s sharing this information, and what’s their goal?
Another common myth comes from people with diabetes who’ve been told they should avoid fruit altogether. But research shows that’s not really necessary. In fact, fruit can be part of a healthy diet even when managing diabetes. Unfortunately, blanket statements like “never eat fruit” can scare people away from nutritious foods without giving the full picture.
The same thing happens with imitation meats. These products are often marketed as the healthier or more sustainable choice. But when you actually check the nutrition label, you might find high amounts of saturated fat or a long list of processed ingredients. For many patients, this is a surprise—they genuinely thought they were making a better choice. Taking a few minutes to go over the label with them usually leads to a moment of realization: what looks healthy on the outside isn’t always the best fit.
Why Recognizing Misinformation Is Key
Taking a few minutes to look over the label usually leads to an aha moment: what looks healthy on the outside isn’t always the best fit.
At the core of these misunderstandings is the issue of misinformation. It’s important to recognize that not all misinformation is the same. There’s misinformation, which is simply wrong information shared without harmful intent. Then there’s disinformation, where false information is shared deliberately, often to make money. And malinformation is intentionally false and meant to deceive or cause harm, sometimes for political or financial gain.
For example, someone might post a TikTok warning people with diabetes not to eat fruit. That could be misinformation—they might just be misinformed themselves. But if someone is promoting their own product or program and making exaggerated claims to discredit medications or proven treatments, that crosses into disinformation or even malinformation.
When patients bring up something they saw online, the first question I always suggest is: Who’s saying this? Do they have any training or credentials in nutrition or medicine? Are they trying to sell something? It’s not wrong to make money while sharing good information, but it’s important to think critically about their motivation and qualifications.
By encouraging patients to ask these questions and stay curious about where information comes from, clinicians can empower them to separate fact from fiction. Together, we can help people find trustworthy guidance that fits their unique health needs—not just what looks convincing on a screen.
From Supplements to Compounds: The Myths and Misinformation Patients Bring from Social Media
When it comes to health and weight loss, social media has become a powerful yet often misleading source of information. Many people come into clinics believing what they’ve seen online, not realizing how branding, marketing, and misinformation shape their choices. Branding especially can be deceiving—a product might look healthy at first glance, but a closer look at the ingredients often tells a different story.
As an obesity medicine physician, I see this confusion extend to conversations about medications, especially GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs are well-known for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes, but the internet is flooded with skepticism, unsafe alternatives, and unsupported claims.
A good example is the rise of compounded GLP-1 medications. For a while, these were promoted online as cheaper or more accessible options, even though they lacked proper regulation. Many have since been declared illegal, yet individuals still come in reporting side effects from compounded drugs they bought after seeing them on social media.
Supplements are another area where misinformation spreads. People often tell me they saw someone on TikTok recommend Coenzyme Q10 or vitamin B12 alongside GLP-1 medications. In reality, there’s no medical guideline supporting this unless there’s a confirmed deficiency. B12 gets a lot of hype because it’s inexpensive and easy to sell, especially as injections, but that doesn’t mean it’s needed by most.
This pattern repeats with other trendy supplements. People sometimes bring in bottles they spent nearly $100 on after seeing online ads. When we review the ingredients, it’s often a mix of berry powders or vague herbal blends. I usually suggest something simpler like eating actual berries. It’s not that all supplements are bad, but most people don’t need them, especially when they’re already on proven medications and eating a balanced diet.
One worrying trend is the promotion of medications that aren’t even available on the market yet. For example, sublingual tirzepatide is being sold online despite lacking FDA approval or legal availability. These products can be dangerous not only because they don’t work, but because they’re marketed as legitimate when they’re not.
That’s why it’s so important for people to feel comfortable bringing these questions to their healthcare providers. We’re here to help cut through the noise and explain what’s safe, what’s necessary, and what’s just marketing hype. Too often, folks make decisions based on what they see online, hoping for the best instead of asking for expert guidance.
Not everything trending on TikTok belongs in your medicine cabinet—and when in doubt, real food, proven treatments, and informed advice usually win out.
When “Natural” Isn’t Better: Why Regulated Medications Still Matter
One of the most common arguments you’ll hear online and even among some healthcare professionals is that “Big Pharma is just out to make money.” But honestly, everyone selling a product is trying to make money. That includes the folks behind compounded medications and pricey supplements. Just because they’re not a big pharmaceutical company doesn’t mean they aren’t cashing in. In fact, many of them are making quite a bit often from unregulated, unapproved, or even ineffective products.
What often gets missed in this argument is the difference between regulated and unregulated products. Sure, pharmaceutical companies make money, but their products go through layers of regulation, clinical trials, FDA oversight, and ongoing safety checks. Compounded medications and supplements usually don’t have to meet those same strict standards. Yet people are paying hundreds of dollars, sometimes even more, for versions that aren’t guaranteed to be safe, effective, or consistent.
I’ve heard from some who’ve paid $500 or $600 a month for compounded meds. What’s even more frustrating is that, in many cases, their insurance actually covers the FDA-approved, branded version. Others didn’t even realize the real medication out-of-pocket costs were lower than what they were spending on the compounded alternative. There are options like manufacturer savings programs and pharmacy discounts, but misinformation online makes people think they’re stuck with the priciest, least reliable choice.
On sites like Reddit, people openly talk about hoarding compounded meds out of fear and confusion. That fear doesn’t just happen by accident—it’s pushed by misleading posts and influencer-style marketing that make these unofficial products look safer or smarter. I’ve reported some of these posts myself, but whether anything gets done is another story.
At the end of the day, if someone is selling you something whether it’s a weight loss supplement, compounded drug, or “natural” alternative ask the same tough questions you would about a pharmaceutical medication. Who’s making money here? What are the risks? And most importantly, is it regulated and backed by solid evidence?
The problem isn’t just that people are misinformed. It’s that they’re often deliberately misled and then charged a premium for it.
Why Social Media Isn’t Always the Best Place for Medical Advice
It’s hard not to notice how some medications, like “sublingual tirzepatide,” are getting a lot of attention on social media—sometimes treated like they’re already approved and safe to use. But the reality is very different. These drugs often haven’t even hit the market, yet people are buying and promoting them without any proper oversight or evidence.
Unlike during the COVID-19 pandemic, when platforms like Instagram and Twitter (now X) started flagging or removing misleading posts flagged by trusted institutions (such as the NIH), there’s currently very little oversight in the weight loss space. Now, it’s often up to users both healthcare professionals and everyday individuals to spot and report suspicious content. Fortunately, reporting posts on platforms like Instagram is just a few clicks away.
But simply reporting posts isn’t enough. People need tools to help them think critically about what they see online. When coming across medical claims on social media, it’s important to ask: Who is sharing this? Are they qualified? Is this coming from a licensed physician or just a TikTok creator with no medical background? And most importantly, is there trustworthy evidence behind the claim?
This is where healthcare professionals can make a real difference. Social media isn’t all bad. Many doctors and experts use it to break down complicated studies and offer clear, quick insights on common questions like “Do I need B12 while on a GLP-1 medication?” or “Is it safe to drink alcohol on semaglutide?” These posts can bring much-needed clarity when people feel overwhelmed or confused.
Still, there’s a bigger challenge. Social media algorithms prioritize trends over facts. Unfortunately, misinformation often spreads faster than science. Trending supplements or unapproved compounded medications can go viral quickly, especially with younger audiences. These aren’t just harmless fads, they can be expensive, ineffective, or even harmful.
That’s why the simplest and best advice is to always check your sources carefully. Look into the credentials of whoever is sharing information. Talk to your healthcare provider. And if you’re unsure about something you see online, don’t rely solely on social media; bring your questions to someone trained to give accurate answers.
Because when it comes to your health, decisions should never be driven by what’s trending. They should be based on evidence, safety, and genuine care.
Are Supplements Worth the Cost?
Supplements can feel like a low-risk addition to a health routine, especially when they’re marketed as “natural” or packed with superfoods. But one of the biggest questions to ask when considering supplements isn’t just Are they safe? It’s also Are they worth it?
Many supplements aren’t necessarily harmful, but that doesn’t mean they’re helpful either. Take the example of a supplement made from crushed berries. If you’re not allergic and have access to fresh produce, wouldn’t it be better (and likely cheaper) to just eat the actual berries? Unless there’s a specific barrier preventing someone from getting nutrients through food, there’s often little reason to rely on supplements for things that can come from the diet.
This is something I regularly discuss with patients—especially those spending $90 or more per month on a product that may not even deliver results. If someone has the budget and enjoys it, fine. But for many, that money could be better spent elsewhere, especially if the supplement isn’t clearly making a difference.
That’s why I always encourage a trial mindset: Try the supplement for a short, defined period—maybe four to twelve weeks—depending on what it's for. Ask yourself: Did it do what you hoped it would? For example, if it's a fiber powder, did your digestion improve? If yes, and it’s safe and affordable, then maybe it's worth continuing. But if it didn’t make a noticeable difference, there's no reason to keep paying for it.
As someone trained in both obesity and lifestyle medicine, I’m a strong advocate for real food first. When patients complain of constipation, especially while on GLP-1 medications, I ask about actual fiber in their diet. Are they eating fruits and vegetables, or mostly red meat? Fiber pills might help a little, but they’re not a substitute for the dietary changes that could resolve the issue more effectively.
It’s also important to look at the full picture. Sometimes the medication itself is contributing to the problem, and no amount of fiber powder will solve it unless we address that too.
I’ve had patients come in with bags full of supplements—five or six bottles from Amazon they’ve been taking daily. We go through each one, identifying what might help, what isn’t needed, and what could be doing more harm than good. By the end of the visit, they’re often taking far fewer pills—and I like to remind them, “Hey, I just saved you money.”
Supplements aren’t automatically bad, but they’re not automatically good either. And when it comes to health decisions, the goal isn’t to collect pills—it’s to make choices that are safe, effective, and financially sensible. Real food, evidence-based care, and honest conversations often go a lot further than the most hyped bottle on the shelf.
A Final Word on Health Advice in the Social Media Era
Social media can be a helpful space for learning—but it can also be a minefield, especially when it comes to health and weight loss. As more people turn to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for wellness advice, it’s become clear that not everything shared is backed by facts—or even shared with good intentions.
Many creators online are focused on gaining followers or driving traffic. That’s not necessarily wrong, since it’s part of how social media works. However, it does mean we have to be careful about what we take at face value. Flashy promises, dramatic claims, or "miracle" products should raise a red flag. If something seems too good to be true, it’s worth slowing down and asking a few key questions.
Where is this information coming from? Is it backed by science? Who is the person sharing it and are they qualified to talk about it? These questions can help you spot misinformation and avoid falling into the trap of trends that might be more harmful than helpful.
When something does feel off or when it’s clearly false, like posts promoting unapproved versions of medications it’s important to take action. The first step is simple: report it. Most platforms make it easy with just a few clicks. It might feel small, but it’s a meaningful way to push back against the spread of misleading content.
And of course, don’t hesitate to bring what you’ve seen online into a real conversation with your clinician. They can help you sort fact from fiction and offer guidance that’s grounded in your unique needs not internet trends.
In a world where anyone can say anything online, your best defense is to stay curious, stay critical, and stay informed.
Online health advice is everywhere, but knowing what’s true and what’s just trending isn’t always easy. That’s why it’s so important to slow down, ask the right questions, and seek information from people who are trained to guide you—especially when it comes to your health.
If you want to hear more from Dr. Farrah Deshmukh about the most common myths she sees in her practice—and how to protect yourself from misleading advice—listen to the full episode now.
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