press release: Active IQ
Industry call to tackle harmful fitness misinformation on social media
Social media companies are being urged to take greater responsibility for the role they play in shaping public health behaviours.
Platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have been asked to introduce a trust mark to help consumers understand that the advice they’re given by an influencer or content creator is backed up through a professional qualification.
Part of the Trust Your Trainer campaign, created by the leading awarding organisation for the physical activity sector Active IQ, it comes as recent insights surrounding ‘fitspiration’ videos on TikTok found most of the videos containing diet and exercise information are misleading or harmful.
Championing the campaign is Robyn Drummond, a personal trainer with her own experience of the dangers misinformation on social media can pose. Aged 18, she became heavily influenced by bikini bodybuilding models online, deciding that if she could look like them, she would be successful, as they had thousands of followers.
After embarking on a diet that was extremely restrictive, Robyn worked with unqualified coaches who didn’t take her wellbeing seriously. After becoming very unwell, she developed an eating disorder and couldn’t eat without feeling guilty. Robyn didn’t receive any support afterwards, with nobody identifying that something was seriously wrong.
She said: “Conflicting, inaccurate, and unregulated content online is actually making weight management harder and harming mental wellbeing in the process, creating even more guilt and confusion. I know this because I was the person looking for advice on social media, and this is the reason why I do the job I do now.
“Too often advice is shared without consideration for safety or scientific backing, and I can’t emphasise enough that a sizeable following doesn’t qualify you as an expert. This campaign is an important step towards tackling misinformation and ensuring those seeking guidance can trust the information they’re getting."
Active IQ is calling for all operators, training providers, fitness professionals, and wider industry stakeholders to sign its manifesto and put pressure on social media companies to make changes.
Jenny Patrickson, managing director of Active IQ, said: "Social media can and should be a force for good in supporting healthier lifestyles, but without stronger safeguarding, it risks undermining public health and professional expertise.
“From dangerous weight loss hacks to unqualified influencers pushing extreme training routines or unregulated supplements, the content flooding feeds is not just misleading, but putting people at risk.
“We’re calling on industry colleagues and organisations to stand with us in urging platforms to take meaningful action to protect people from harm and champion evidence-led, ethical advice."
A recent study has revealed that nearly 90 per cent of health and nutrition influencers on TikTok and Instagram do not highlight the potential risks of the advice they share. This open failure to disclose has led to growing concerns regarding the spread of misleading and potentially dangerous health and fitness content on social media.
Unlike certified and regulated professionals who have trained and committed to recognised industry standards, many influencers operate without qualifications or accountability, yet their content reaches millions.
In a world where more than half of Gen Z alone are turning to TikTok for fitness advice, the gap between professional expertise and social media influence is only widening, raising concerns on both physical and mental health.
To learn more about the campaign and sign the manifesto, visit www.activeiq.co.uk/trust-your-trainer
Lisa Skelton, head of business development
Furthermore, Active IQ is continuing its expansion in international markets, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia following our success as growing market leaders in the UAE.
We will maintain our presence at leading industry events both in the UK and overseas to connect and engage with key stakeholders and to discuss quality education for the active leisure and wellness sector.
– Study Active
“Mental health issues among students are not going away anytime soon. If anything, they could become worse for those students who have had no exams and lack experience in managing the stress and pressure of these. Young adults need all the help they can get to support their mental health as they study and prepare to start work.
“I would strongly recommend other colleges to look at the Active IQ Level 2 Award in Mental Health Awareness. It stands apart from the majority of qualifications that comprise off-the-shelf generic materials. This qualification captures the imagination of the learners and makes the topic relevant. It has had a significant impact on a lot of our students and we are now rolling it out across the entire college as we believe everyone can gain from having these skills and knowledge.”
– Mike Ridley, head of department - General Further Education, Bishop Burton College
"I am particularly impressed with the support End-point Assessors provided for the apprentices as some were nervous about the process and assessment. The assessors spent time to introduce themselves, talk through the End-point Assessment requirements, and successfully booked a convenient day and time for the EPA to take place. Each assessment was booked promptly and within a week or two of me presenting learners to gateway – an incredible turn around!"
– Jennifer Walker, curriculum leader early years, Education and Social Sciences, Bolton College
