Study debunks misleading women’s exercise advice

July 15, 2026

Women should ignore most of the exercise advice they see on social media, University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka researchers say.

In a study published in the journal Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, researchers examined four claims commonly seen online about fasted training, hydration requirements, carbohydrates and protein timing and reviewed the research behind them.

Co-author Professor Katherine Black of the Department of Human Nutrition says most of these claims were not backed by robust scientific evidence.

“Women are being misled with overcomplicated messages that make it harder for them to stay active and healthy,” she says.

“Women should be active and not worry about having to do certain things because they are a woman.” Medical press