• Question: Do you think social media could help or effect obesity in anyway because lots of people pay attention to social media so raising awareness on it might help?

    Asked by Maia to Andy, Duane, Giovanna, Katie, Theresia on 11 Nov 2014.
    • Photo: Andrew Philp

      Andrew Philp answered on 11 Nov 2014:

      Possibly. It certainly allows us to communicate quickly with people all round the world. However so does television, radio etc. So you can tell people about the effects of obesity and what to do about it, but whether people actually take notice and decide to act is the big challenge…

    • Photo: Duane Mellor

      Duane Mellor answered on 11 Nov 2014:

      Possibly it might, the key is to try and use it in a positive way. I currently have a student looking at negative weight related messages in apps and online.

    • Photo: Theresia Mina

      Theresia Mina answered on 11 Nov 2014:

      Yeah! I do think if it used positively it will be!

      I don’t agree with “fat-shaming”. This just won’t work. On the other hand, I don’t agree with celebrities displaying super anorexic body, it is such a bad influence because it heavily distorts body image in girls. Everybody is different, not everyone will be thin-stick like a supermodel. Need more regulation…

    • Photo: Giovanna Bermano

      Giovanna Bermano answered on 12 Nov 2014:

      They are a powerful tool to reach people if used properly….however sometimes the messages sent come across as very patronising and people stop listening!!!! In relation to obesity I feel there is a lot of messages saying do not do this or do more of this….but it is missing the why!!! If we spend more time explaining why we need to follow a specific diet then maybe peoplee can make an informed decision anf follow advise better!!!!

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