Healthy habits and Instagram: A Cross - Sectional study.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Nutrition Science
• Digital Health

Background:

• Social media platforms like Instagram® are increasingly recognized for their potential in public health.
• The specific impact of Instagram® on the adoption of long-term healthy lifestyle habits remains under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the influence of a dedicated healthy food Instagram account on followers' lifestyle habits.
• To determine the time frame required for Instagram® to impact user behavior.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted after six months of monitoring a healthy food Instagram account ('ChefTaste').
• Participants were categorized based on their engagement with healthy food content on Instagram®: following 'ChefTaste', following other accounts, or following none.
• Statistical analysis, including odds ratios, was used to compare behavioral changes across groups.

Main Results:

• Users following any healthy food account showed a significantly higher probability of improved eating habits (OR=1.50, p=0.036), increased exercise (OR=1.46, p=0.048), and greater dietary caution (OR=1.67, p=0.01).
• No statistically significant differences were observed between followers of the 'ChefTaste' account and those following other healthy food accounts regarding healthy eating and exercise.

Conclusions:

• Instagram® demonstrates effectiveness as a tool for promoting healthier lifestyles, likely due to its social support features and ease of use.
• The platform holds potential for improving individual lifestyle choices and public health outcomes.