Social media nutrition misinformation fuels food-based attachments

The food environment refers to the complex systems that determine which types of food people have access to

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MONTREAL: Whether you're at a party, a family gathering, or even at work, chances are you've heard someone say: "I'm on the (insert name) diet. It's amazing!" Or maybe you've been the one to say it. Either way, it's not surprising.

Diet trends are as old as, well, the grapefruit diet of the 1930s. But in today's social media world, endless online wellness hacks, fad diets, and nutrition misinformation are spreading faster than ever.

Why? Quick-fix regimens gain traction easily for many reasons. Our diets are deeply personal and, for some people, evoke a sense of devotion, almost like a religion.

Food choices are complex. When we go to a supermarket, what we put in our basket is influenced by many factors.