Introduction: Seeking health advice online from influencers is universal among young adults, bringing mixed results. Even when they spot harmful diet trends, few consult real professionals. To rebuild trust, experts must highlight their credentials, stay relatable, and explain the science. This study examined online health information seeking (OHIS) patterns, influencer engagement, dietary behaviours, and perceived health outcomes among young adults in India.

Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed (N = 163 quantitative; n = 81 qualitative). The study analyzed quantitative metrics (BMI- self-declared, OHIS, diet) using Pearson correlations, and explored qualitative themes like influencer trust and food guilt. A convergence matrix ultimately integrated these two data streams.

Results: Mean BMI was 23.09 ± 4.46 kg/m²; 63.8% were normal weight and 24.6% overweight or obese. We noted a slight positive correlation between OHIS frequency and BMI (r = 0.160, p = 0.041). Most notably, 82.7% of the cohort relied heavily on social media for their information, and 90.1% actively followed health influencers.  Positive outcomes included improved digestion (53.1%) and energy (46.9%); negative outcomes included digestive problems (51.9%), fatigue (32.1%), and dizziness (30.9%). Overall, 45.4% of the cohort reported feeling overloaded by nutrition information; when overwhelmed, 64.2% fell back on convenience foods.

Conclusion: Influencer-dominated OHIS is universal among young adults, producing mixed health outcomes. Despite recognizing harmful dietary trends, participants rarely seek professional help. To bridge this gap and build trust in evidence-based advice, professionals must utilize credible certifications, relatable engagement, and simplified science communication.