In September, The Washington Post exposed recent undisclosed paid social media partnerships between 11 influencers—seven registered dietitians (RDs) and four others in health and fitness—on social media and the American Beverage Association (ABA), a trade and lobbying group representing drink companies like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola. The ABA paid these influencers to downplay potential health risks associated with aspartame, a commonly used ingredient in diet soda and artificially sweetened packaged foods following a recommendation by the World Health Organization (WHO) to avoid artificial sweeteners due to health risks.
The influencers, including dietitians like Bianca Tamburello, Brianna Wieser, Christina Manian, and Joan Salge Blake, spread their message using the hashtag #safetyofaspartame across social media platforms. The Washington Post revealed that these influencers were part of a larger trend where companies paid dietitians to promote unhealthy foods and supplements, undermining years of scientific evidence about healthy eating practices.
Dietitians like Tina Covone expressed concern over the lack of transparency in these influencer campaigns, which tarnishes the credibility of all dietitians. The article, while shedding light on the issue, missed the nuance of the situation, unfairly casting a negative light on the entire dietitian community rather than focusing on a few bad actors.
Registered dietitians are highly trained professionals providing evidence-based nutrition advice to prevent chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. Their education begins with a bachelor’s degree in dietetics and continues with extensive coursework in various sciences and practical skills. Registered dietitians must also complete internships and pass a national exam to obtain their credentials.
Despite the actions of a few influencers, ethical dietitians play a crucial role in providing trustworthy nutrition advice to the public. The profession’s reputation should not be overshadowed by a minority of influencers engaging in questionable practices. The dietitian community deserves better recognition for their expertise and commitment to promoting healthy eating habits.
