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ERIC Number: EJ1270301
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
A Content Analysis of Pinterest Belly Fat Loss Exercises: Unrealistic Expectations and Misinformation
Dedrick, Ashley; Merten, Julie Williams; Adams, Tammy; Wheeler, Meghann; Kassie, Terrell; King, Jessica L.
American Journal of Health Education, v51 n5 p328-337 2020
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.
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A