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arXiv · 2609.28114

Watching What We Eat: Information Quality and Body Image in Diet-Related YouTube Videos

Maddalena Ghiotti·Daniela Paolotti·Yelena Mejova
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Abstract

The widespread use of social media, particularly image- and video-based platforms, has turned them into key sources of both normative and informational content related to health and diet. This may contribute to the development of disordered eating behaviors or, potentially, eating disorders. This study uses mixed-methods analysis applied to 3129 YouTube videos about diet and weight loss in order to quantify the level of risk of low-quality information and heightened focus on the body image. We adapt three quality measurement frameworks from the literature -- PRHISM, HONcode and SMEC -- to the online video context, perform manual annotation of a sample of the data, and design an LLM content characterization pipeline to score the videos on the quality of their content and the focus on the human body. Surprisingly, we find that videos around personal storytelling and mindset & motivation are associated with higher-quality content, whereas supplement reviews (arguably more medically sensitive ones) are not. Further, the body-related mentions of weight measurement and negative body image are associated with an increased viewership, whereas the mentions of positive body image are associated with an increased engagement rate in terms of likes and comments, but not viewership. Worryingly, we find a cluster of videos categorized as "music" which promote the dietary supplements Mitolyn and the injectable weight loss drug Mounjaro. As video-based platforms grow in popularity, particularly among younger audiences, studies such as the one presented here are essential for developing empirically grounded tools to enhance the detection of harmful content and inform more effective moderation practices.

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Maddalena Ghiotti, Daniela Paolotti, Yelena Mejova. 2026-09-23. Watching What We Eat: Information Quality and Body Image in Diet-Related YouTube Videos. https://doi.org/10.1145/3794786.3830741

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