Obsessed With Food Accounts on Social Media: When Should I Be Concerned?

Thanks to the ongoing advancement of technology combined with the power of social media, we can learn virtually anything through our connection to the internet.

A wildly popular trend on social media includes food accounts, including recipes, photos, how to videos and step by step demonstrations on how to create a particular dish, dessert, etc. It is not uncommon to see these types of accounts on various social media, particularly Facebook and Instagram, platforms that especially highlight photos and video.

The Power of Social Media

For many people, these types of visual presentations can be a practical, helpful way to learn basic means of preparing food or trying a new dish. Many individuals might feel inspired to cook or experiment with food from seeing photos or videos in their own social media feeds. The notion of simplifying cooking can help normalize this important life skill for many who feel intimidated at the task of preparing meals and trying recipes.

However, as with all things, it is crucial to be mindful of the time and energy that is spent engaging in different aspects of our lives, including social media. Any excessive time that is spent on one thing in particular, such as following food related accounts on social media, should be looked at more closely. For some people who have a chaotic relationship with food, all aspects of food can become obsessive. As an example, someone who may not allow or permit themselves to eat certain foods, such as desserts or carbohydrates, these foods will become appealing to the point of an obsession.

When a Trend Has Gone Too Far

If you have found yourself spending an excessive amount of time following and studying food related accounts on social media, it may be necessary to have a realistic look at the entire situation to understand what may be occurring. If these behaviors are taking away from other priorities in your life, this should definitely be a concern.

Mostly importantly, obsession with food related activities can be reflective of an unhealthy relationship with food, which should be addressed with professional help and interventions as needed.

Community Discussion – Share Your Thoughts Here!

What do you think are potential dangers associated with food related trends on social media?

About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Director of Content and Social Media for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.

The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on November 8, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com