Researchers compared diet plans created by ChatGPT (an artificial intelligence tool) with plans made by real dietitians for people with weight and health problems. They found that ChatGPT’s plans often missed important nutrients, didn’t fit individual needs well, and sometimes suggested foods that could be harmful. While AI might help in the future, the study shows that talking to a real dietitian is still much safer and more effective for creating personalized eating plans, especially when dealing with serious health conditions.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether ChatGPT (an AI chatbot) could create safe and helpful diet plans as well as trained dietitians can, especially for people with obesity and chronic diseases like diabetes.
  • Who participated: The study didn’t use real people. Instead, researchers created fictional patient profiles with specific health conditions and asked both ChatGPT and a registered dietitian to create diet plans for these made-up scenarios.
  • Key finding: ChatGPT’s diet plans had significant problems: they didn’t provide enough of certain nutrients, didn’t account for individual differences, and sometimes included foods that could be dangerous for the conditions being treated. Real dietitians’ plans were much more personalized and safer.
  • What it means for you: If you need a diet plan for a health condition, seeing a real dietitian is much safer than relying on ChatGPT alone. AI tools might help in the future, but they’re not ready to replace professional nutrition advice yet, especially for serious health issues.

The Research Details

Researchers created detailed descriptions of fictional patients with different health problems (like obesity and diabetes). They then asked ChatGPT to create diet plans for these patients. At the same time, a real, registered dietitian created diet plans for the exact same patients. The researchers then carefully compared both sets of plans side-by-side, looking at whether they had enough calories and nutrients, if they were personalized to each person’s needs, if they were safe, and if they would be practical for someone to actually follow.

This type of study is called a descriptive comparison. It doesn’t test the plans on real people or measure actual health outcomes. Instead, it’s like a quality check—comparing what each source (AI versus human expert) produces to see which is better.

As more people turn to AI tools for health advice, we need to know if these tools are safe and effective. This study provides important information about whether ChatGPT can be trusted for something as important as diet planning. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of AI in healthcare helps people make smart choices about when to use these tools and when to see a professional.

This study has some important limitations to understand. First, it didn’t test the diet plans on actual patients, so we don’t know how well people would follow them or if they’d actually improve health. Second, the study doesn’t specify exactly how many patient scenarios were tested. Third, the comparison was based on expert judgment rather than strict numerical measurements. However, the study was published in a respected nutrition journal and used a systematic approach to evaluate the plans, which adds credibility to the findings.

What the Results Show

ChatGPT’s diet plans had several major problems. First, they frequently didn’t provide enough calories or key nutrients like vitamins and minerals that people need to stay healthy. Second, the plans weren’t personalized—they didn’t take into account individual factors like a person’s age, activity level, food preferences, or other health conditions. This is a big problem because what works for one person might not work for another.

Third, and most concerning, ChatGPT sometimes suggested foods that could actually be harmful for the specific conditions being treated. For example, it might recommend foods that aren’t safe for someone with a particular disease. Finally, the AI didn’t consider whether the diet plans would be practical for real people to follow in their daily lives.

In contrast, the dietitian-created plans were much more thorough. They included appropriate calorie and nutrient levels, were tailored to each person’s specific situation, avoided harmful foods, and included practical suggestions that people could actually use.

The study also found that ChatGPT couldn’t provide the emotional support and motivation that real dietitians offer. When you work with a dietitian, they help you stay motivated and address the emotional side of eating. ChatGPT can’t do this. Additionally, the AI tool couldn’t adapt recommendations based on follow-up conversations or changing health situations the way a real professional can.

This research adds to growing concerns about using AI for medical decisions. Previous studies have shown that AI tools can make mistakes in healthcare, and this study confirms that diet planning is another area where AI has significant limitations. The findings support what nutrition experts have been saying: AI might be a helpful tool to support dietitians’ work, but it shouldn’t replace them.

The study has several important limitations. It used fictional patient scenarios rather than testing with real people, so we don’t know how these diet plans would actually work in real life. The study doesn’t clearly state how many different patient scenarios were tested. The evaluation was based on expert judgment rather than strict scoring systems, which could be subjective. Finally, ChatGPT and other AI tools are constantly being updated and improved, so these findings might change as the technology develops.

The Bottom Line

If you need a diet plan for a chronic health condition like obesity, diabetes, or heart disease, see a registered dietitian rather than relying on ChatGPT or similar AI tools. A dietitian can create a safe, personalized plan and provide ongoing support. (Confidence: High) For general nutrition questions or basic information, ChatGPT might be helpful as a starting point, but always verify important health information with a professional. (Confidence: Moderate) Don’t use AI-generated diet plans as a substitute for professional medical advice, especially if you have serious health conditions. (Confidence: High)

This research is especially important for people with chronic diseases, obesity, or multiple health conditions who need specialized diet plans. It’s also relevant for anyone considering using AI tools for health decisions. Healthcare providers and policymakers should pay attention to these findings when deciding how to integrate AI into healthcare. People without serious health conditions might have more flexibility in using AI for general nutrition guidance, but professional advice is still preferable.

If you switch from using ChatGPT to working with a real dietitian, you might notice improvements in how you feel within a few weeks, but significant health changes typically take 2-3 months to become apparent. Stick with a professional plan for at least 3 months to see real benefits.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track whether your diet plan includes all major food groups and meets your calorie goals. Use the app to log meals and compare them against a dietitian-approved plan rather than an AI-generated one. Monitor specific nutrients like protein, fiber, and key vitamins weekly.
  • Use the app to schedule regular check-ins with a registered dietitian (monthly or quarterly) rather than relying on AI for ongoing adjustments. When you get nutrition advice from any source, verify it with your dietitian before making major changes. Use the app to record questions for your dietitian rather than searching for answers on AI tools.
  • Keep a record of which nutrition recommendations came from a professional versus AI sources. Track your health markers (weight, energy levels, blood sugar if applicable) and note which type of guidance correlated with better results. Over time, this personal data will show you the value of professional nutrition care.

This research shows that ChatGPT and similar AI tools should not be used as a substitute for professional nutrition advice, especially for people with chronic health conditions, obesity, or complex medical needs. Always consult with a registered dietitian or qualified healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or nutrition plan. If you have a medical condition, are taking medications, or have specific health concerns, professional guidance is essential for your safety. This article is for educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice.