By Jana Kriez

KUWAIT: The rapid rise of social media platforms has fundamentally changed how people interact with food, particularly in Kuwait, where food influencers wield significant power. Kuwait continues to grapple with one of the highest obesity rates in the world, with over 40 percent of its adult population classified as obese. This alarming trend raises questions about how influencers, who often showcase indulgent meals, might be contributing to the public health crisis. In this context, Kuwait Times sat down with Dana Kayyali, a food blogger with 111,000 followers, who is based in Kuwait and Dubai. With her significant online presence, Dana shared her insights on the role of food influencers in shaping public dietary habits and the responsibilities that come with it.

Balancing influence with responsibility

When asked about the sense of responsibility she feels in promoting certain types of food, Dana was candid. “Absolutely! As a food influencer with a large following, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to use my platform positively. While I love sharing delicious food, I also believe in promoting healthy eating habits,” she explained. Dana emphasized that she tries to balance her content by featuring healthier options alongside indulgent treats, encouraging her followers to make informed choices.

The challenge of balancing visually appealing, indulgent food with the promotion of healthier eating habits is one that Dana takes seriously. “The nature of my content is sharing restaurant and cafe experiences as well as making recipes at home. I try to balance that by providing healthier alternatives and focusing on a well-balanced meal,” she noted. Dana follows the 80/20 diet rule, focusing on eating nutritious foods 80 percent of the time while allowing herself to indulge in her favorite treats for the remaining 20 percent. This approach, she believes, helps maintain a sustainable and enjoyable relationship with food.

Navigating brand partnerships

Given the growing concerns about the impact of food influencers on public health, Dana is mindful of the partnerships she engages in, especially with brands offering high-calorie options. “I prioritize authenticity and transparency in my content. If a brand aligns with my personal beliefs and values, I may choose to collaborate with them,” she said. Dana stressed that she always ensures her content reflects her own preferences and encourages a balanced approach to eating. “I believe in promoting a variety of food options and emphasizing the importance of moderation and mindful consumption.”

The role of influencers

Food influencers have the potential to be powerful advocates for public health, a role that Dana embraces. “I do believe that food influencers can be powerful advocates for public health by leveraging our platforms to promote healthier eating habits,” she said. Dana frequently focuses on well-balanced meals in her recipes, choosing healthier alternatives, and prioritizing protein in her meals. She also encourages the use of local produce and collaborates with registered dietitians for expert advice on nutrition and meal planning.

Dana’s guilty pleasure

Despite her commitment to promoting healthier eating, Dana also knows the importance of indulging in comfort food. One of her favorite guilty pleasure dishes is her homemade pink pasta, a creamy dish made with tomato sauce, cream, and a secret ingredient—ketchup. “I love this dish because it’s incredibly comforting, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser,” she shared. The addition of ketchup adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess that perfectly complements the creamy sauce, making it a standout favorite among her followers.

The best culinary scenes

When it comes to choosing a restaurant in Kuwait or Dubai to eat at for the rest of her life, Dana finds it difficult to pick just one. As a Palestinian, she has a deep appreciation for Levantine cuisine, which emphasizes fresh, flavorful dishes with quality ingredients. “No matter what, I’d always make sure to order mixed grills, vine leaves, fattoush salad, and muhammara,” she said, noting that these are classics she would never tire of.

Viral moments

Dana’s journey as a food influencer has had its share of surprises. One of the most unexpected reactions she received was after sharing a copycat version of the famous Caesar mini pizzas in Kuwait during the COVID-19 lockdown. With restaurants closed, Dana encouraged her followers to recreate the recipe and share their creations with her. “This video is one of my most viral ones to date, and I was grateful for the positive response and how far it reached,” she recalled.

As Kuwait continues to wrestle with an escalating obesity epidemic, the role of social media influencers like Dana Kayyali in shaping public dietary habits cannot be underestimated. While the glamorization of indulgent foods on platforms like Instagram can contribute to unhealthy eating patterns, influencers also have the potential to drive positive change by promoting balanced, nutritious meals. The intersection of digital culture and public health is complex, but with thoughtful content and responsible partnerships, food influencers can be part of the solution to addressing Kuwait’s public health challenges.