A leading health and fitness professional is urging Australians to be cautious when seeking nutrition and wellness advice online, warning that many self-proclaimed experts have no formal qualifications or accountability.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio’s Living Life with Loz segment, local Ipswich health coach and fitness professional Loz Antonenko highlighted growing concerns about the rise of unqualified online influencers offering diet plans, nutrition advice and health coaching services.
Her comments follow recent reports involving a teenager who suffered negative physical and psychological impacts after following advice from an online coach who was not formally qualified.
The incident has reignited debate about regulation within Australia’s wellness industry, where individuals can market themselves as nutrition experts without necessarily holding recognised qualifications.
“It absolutely made my blood boil,” Antonenko said.
“In Australia, you need a licence to drive a car and qualifications to cut hair, but someone can jump online and start giving nutrition advice without any formal training.”
According to Antonenko, many consumers are unaware that parts of the wellness and coaching industry remain largely unregulated, making it difficult for people to distinguish between qualified professionals and social media personalities.
She said individuals seeking health advice should always verify a practitioner’s qualifications before committing to a program.
“Credentials are not optional – they’re non-negotiable,” she said.
“A qualified professional should be able to clearly explain their education, who they’re registered with and what ongoing professional development they undertake.”
Antonenko encouraged consumers to ask direct questions about qualifications, registrations and professional memberships before investing in coaching services.
Social Media Popularity Not the Same as Expertise
One of the biggest concerns highlighted by Antonenko is the growing influence of social media personalities whose popularity may be mistaken for professional expertise.
She pointed to research suggesting a significant proportion of health and lifestyle advice shared online contains inaccurate or misleading information.
“Follower count is not expertise,” she said.
“A great social media feed, a big audience or impressive before-and-after photos don’t automatically make someone qualified to guide your health.”
She warned that wellness content often appears polished and aspirational, making it easy for consumers to trust advice that may not be evidence-based.
“Toxic wellness doesn’t always look dangerous,” Antonenko explained.
“Sometimes it looks really attractive and convincing.”
Accountability Matters
Another key difference between qualified health professionals and unqualified online coaches is accountability.
Registered and accredited practitioners are generally required to carry insurance, adhere to ethical standards and operate under professional guidelines.
If something goes wrong, clients have avenues for complaint and review.
By contrast, Antonenko said many unqualified operators face little oversight or consequence.
“If an unqualified coach gives bad advice, there may be no accountability at all,” she said.
“That’s why it’s so important to check who you’re trusting with your health.”
Having worked in the industry for more than two decades, Antonenko said she regularly encounters people who have been negatively affected by poor-quality health advice found online.
She believes social media algorithms often amplify sensational or simplistic health claims, making it even more important for consumers to exercise caution.
Growing Concern in a Multi-Million Dollar Industry
The wellness sector continues to grow rapidly, attracting consumers seeking support with fitness, nutrition, weight loss and overall wellbeing.
However, experts warn that increased accessibility has also created opportunities for unqualified individuals to market services without appropriate training.
Antonenko said consumers should not feel uncomfortable asking questions before engaging a coach or health professional.
“Your health deserves the same standard of care that you would expect in any other profession,” she said.
“You wouldn’t let an unqualified surgeon operate on you, so don’t be afraid to check someone’s credentials before following their advice.”
She encouraged people to focus on evidence-based guidance and seek practitioners who can demonstrate recognised qualifications and a commitment to ongoing education.
As more Australians turn to online platforms for health information, Antonenko hopes greater awareness will help consumers make informed decisions and avoid potentially harmful advice.
“Ask the questions, do your checks and protect yourself,” she said.
“Your health is too important not to.”
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