Can ChatGPT Help You Lose Weight? Here’s What a Nutritionist Really Thinks
In this era, the pursuit of a summer-ready body is taking a distinctly futuristic turn. Forget calorie-counting apps and meal-prep Instagram reels—some are now turning to AI for weight loss. Yes, really. People are asking ChatGPT to design personalized meal plans, count macros, and even send them motivational pep talks. But is this high-tech shortcut a smart health hack—or a digital minefield?
To get the facts straight, GQ sat down with Vanessa Bedjaï-Haddad, registered dietitian and nutritionist, to unpack what ChatGPT can—and crucially, can’t—do when it comes to helping you lose weight.
The Good News: ChatGPT Can Be a Smart Starting Point
ChatGPT isn’t a miracle diet guru, but it can be a surprisingly useful tool—if you use it correctly. “It’s a tool, not a therapist,” explains Bedjaï-Haddad. “But in the right context, it can help people get started.” She points out that the AI can provide customized meal suggestions based on your age, weight, and activity level, offer nutritional info, and even help with daily motivation by sending encouraging reminders. “It can keep you on track with gentle nudges, like a digital cheerleader.”
In short: think of ChatGPT as your assistant, not your authority.
But Here’s the Catch: It Has No Heart—or Medical License
Where things start to unravel is in the emotional and psychological territory. “A big part of weight loss is understanding why you eat the way you do, and how you feel about it,” says Bedjaï-Haddad. “That’s something an AI can’t interpret. It can’t read your body language, your stress levels, or help you work through a bad day.”
And unlike a real health professional, ChatGPT isn’t equipped to detect red flags—like an eating disorder, medication conflicts, or a deeper mental health issue. “Unless you spell it out explicitly, it won’t know if you’re on medication or managing a chronic illness. And even if you do, it might not ask the right follow-up questions.”
Simply put, it’s not licensed to diagnose, and it definitely doesn’t offer long-term, personalized care. It’s smart, but it’s not that smart.
The Dependence Dilemma
There’s another pitfall: over-reliance. ChatGPT is available 24/7, which sounds like a dream—until it isn’t. “You can message it at 11 PM after a binge and ask what to do next. But that kind of constant availability can make users dependent,” Bedjaï-Haddad cautions.
Rather than helping people build autonomy in their food choices, some users are outsourcing all decision-making to AI. “We aim to make our clients more independent,” she explains. “AI can do the opposite—it can make you feel like you always need someone—or something—to tell you what to eat.”
So, Is It Dangerous?
Not exactly—but it’s complicated. “It’s not inherently dangerous,” says Bedjaï-Haddad. “But it’s not the right way to build sustainable habits.” The bigger concern? Falling into a cycle of crash-dieting and rebound weight gain. Or worse, trusting AI over your own instincts.
“If someone has medical conditions or is on medication, the wrong advice could have real consequences,” she says. “Some foods just don’t mix with certain treatments—and ChatGPT won’t necessarily know that.”
Registered dietitian and nutritionist: Vanessa Bedjaï-Haddad
First published on gqmagazine.fr
