A Content Analysis of Pinterest Belly Fat Loss Exercises: Unrealistic Expectations and Misinformation. Issue 5 (2nd September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dedrick, Ashley; Merten, Julie Williams; Adams, Tammy; Wheeler, Meghann; Kassie, Terrell; King, Jessica L.
• Is Part Of: American journal of health education. Volume 51:Issue 5(2020)
• Page Start: 328
• Page End: 337
• Publication Date: 2020-09-02
• Subjects: Health education -- United States -- Periodicals; School hygiene -- Study and teaching -- United States -- Periodicals; Health Education -- Periodicals; School Health Services -- Periodicals; 371
• DOI: 10.1080/19325037.2020.1795754
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1932-5037

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Pinterest has changed the way we seek and share health information with more than 300 million active users. Nearly 40% of Americans are obese and seek fast, easy weight loss solutions online despite evidence that diet and physical activity are the only effective ways to manage weight. Purpose : This study used content analysis to examine how exercises to reduce belly fat were portrayed on Pinterest, a social media website used to bookmark online content. Methods : Using search terms belly fat exercises and belly fat workouts, researchers sampled Pinterest pins to collect 234 relevant pins. A codebook was developed, tested, and used to code pins. Results : Of the 234 pins, the majority of pins highlighted being thinner (73.1%) rather than overall health (9.4%). Pins were primarily geared toward women (70%) with nearly half of the pins depicting women in sports bras (52.9%) with swimsuit model figures (48.7%); and 18% of the pins showed signs of photo edits. Discussion : Social media is a powerful source of health information. However, there is evidence of misleading weight loss, specifically belly fat loss strategies being promoted. Translation to Health Education Practice : Health educators need to develop social media campaigns to promote positive body image with realistic weight loss strategies.