Aim: Negative body image increases the risk of engaging in unhealthy dieting and disordered eating patterns. This review evaluated the impact of habitual social media engagement or exposure to image-related content on body image and food choices in healthy young adults (18-30 years). Methods: A systematic search of six databases of observational literature published 2005-2019, was conducted (PROSPERO Registration No. CRD42016036588).Inclusion criteria were: studies reporting social media engagement (posting, liking, commenting) or exposure to image-related content in healthy young adults. Outcomes were: body image (satisfaction or dissatisfaction) and food choices (healthy eating, dieting/restricting, overeating/binging). Two authors independently screened, coded and evaluated studies for methodological quality. Results: Thirty studies were identified (n = 11 125 participants). Quantitative analysis (n = 26) identified social media engagement or exposure to image-related content was associated with higher body dissatisfaction, dieting/restricting food, overeating, and choosing healthy foods. Qualitative analysis (n = 4) identified five themes: (i) social media encourages comparison between users, (ii) comparisons heighten feelings about the body, (iii) young adults modify their appearance to portray a perceived ideal image, (iv) young adults are aware of social media's impact on body image and food choices, however, (v) external validation via social media [Correction added on 14 October 2019, after first online publication: The affiliations of authors Siân McLean and Linda Brennan have been corrected].

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There is evidence to indicate that the central biological clock (i.e., our endogenous circadian system) plays a role in physiological processes in the body that impact energy regulation and metabolism. Cross-sectional data suggest that energy consumption later in the day and during the night is associated with weight gain. These findings have led to speculation that when, as well as what, we eat may be important for maintaining energy balance. Emerging literature suggests that prioritising energy intake to earlier during the day may help with body weight maintenance. Evidence from tightly controlled acute experimental studies indicates a disparity in the body’s ability to utilise (expend) energy equally across the day and night. Energy expenditure both at rest (resting metabolic rate) and after eating (thermic effect of food) is typically more efficient earlier during the day. In this review, we discuss the key evidence for a circadian pattern in energy utilisation and balance, which depends on meal timing. Whilst there is limited evidence that simply prioritising energy intake to earlier in the day is an effective strategy for weight loss, we highlight the potential benefits of considering the role of meal timing for improving metabolic health and energy balance. This review demonstrates that to advance our understanding of the contribution of the endogenous circadian system toward energy balance, targeted studies that utilise appropriate methodologies are required that focus on meal timing and frequency.

Food-health claims are an important method of translating nutrition research to consumers. Whey and colostrum are thought to exert health benefits to adults, but it is unclear what measurable, objective health benefits they impart. This review aimed to identify the objective health benefits of bovine whey or colostrum-based beverages to healthy adults aged ≥35 years to substantiate a food-health claim. Seven databases were systematically searched. Eligible articles were RCTs that involved healthy adults aged ≥35 years, consuming whey or colostrum in beverage form and measuring objective health markers. Quality assessment and data extraction was conducted in duplicate. The searches identified 9943 papers and 16 were included in this review; 13 studies, reported across 15 papers, related to whey, one study to colostrum. The outcomes identified were body composition, bone mineral density, biochemical markers, such as blood glucose and lipids, and muscle strength and synthesis. Heterogeneous outcomes, high risk of bias and inconsistent findings resulted in inconclusive evidence to substantiate a food-health claim. Clearer reporting and consensus on a minimum set of objective measures would allow for more robust recommendations regarding food-health claims. Protecting consumers from misleading health claims will require collaboration between regulators, researchers, and the food industry.

There is a paucity of comprehensive and current employment data for dietitians. It is unclear if, and where, dietetics graduates are being employed and if they are sufficiently prepared to meet workforce and community needs.The aim of this study was to identify employment outcomes for recent dietetics graduates from Australia and New Zealand at 4-6 months post degree completion.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to graduates from accredited dietetics degrees across Australian and New Zealand. Those who completed their university study in 2020 were eligible to participate. Descriptive statistics and frequencies were analysed and open text answers underwent summative content analysis.Results: A total of 294 usable survey responses were received from 631 eligible graduates (response rate 47%). Seventy-five percent of graduates were employed in any field and 60% were employed in a role that required their degree. The most common area of dietetics employment was private practice, followed by hospital practice. Most commonly, graduates who did not need their degree to get their job were employed in healthcare-related roles, or nutrition-and food-related roles.Conclusions: These findings are important for curricula development to ensure that students are suitably prepared for available employment opportunities. Work-integrated learning experiences may need to shift focus to skill development, rather than a specific job role, to better prepare graduates for the jobs of the future. Further monitoring of employment outcomes is necessary to track changes over time.