Can artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot tools be used effectively for nutritional management in obesity?

Nutr Health. 2025 Dec;31(4):1825-1834. doi: 10.1177/02601060251329070. Epub 2025 Mar 20.

Abstract

BackgroundArtificial intelligence (AI), particularly Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT), has been suggested as a tool for dietary planning in different diseases.AimThe study aimed to compare the energy, macro and micronutrients of the sample menu components presented by ChatGPT-4o and ChatGPT-4 for obesity with the Turkish Dietary Guidelines (TDG)-2022, evaluating their accuracy and clarity in medical nutrition management. Due to higher accuracy levels and the most preferred AI, ChatGPT-4o and ChatGPT-4 were selected for comparison.MethodsA comparative content analysis was conducted using ChatGPT-4o, and ChatGPT-4 to generate 1800 kcal daily diet plans for a 20-year-old female with obesity. AI models provided recommendations for dietary management, the nutrition care process, and menu planning. Three dietitians evaluated the outputs. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0.ResultsChatGPT-generated menus were inconsistent with dietary recommendations. Both ChatGPT-4o and ChatGPT-4 offered 5-day menu samples with low calorie content of "1800 kcal prompt" compared to the TDG-2022 (P < 0.001 for ChatGPT-4o). Additionally, key nutrients, particularly fats (P = 0.003), carbohydrates (%), potassium, and calcium (P < 0.05 for all) were inadequately compared to the TDG-2022. Nutrient analysis revealed that both models underperformed in meeting recommended intakes for critical micronutrients such as calcium, and had an unbalanced distribution of macronutrients.ConclusionChatGPT-4o and ChatGPT-4 have limitations when used to provide accurate dietary management. While AI chatbots offer useful insights, they cannot replace expertise of dietitians in clinical planning; as a result, caution is advised when using these tools in this context.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence; diet; nutritional treatment; obesity.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Artificial Intelligence*
  • Energy Intake
  • Female
  • Generative Artificial Intelligence
  • Humans
  • Menu Planning* / methods
  • Nutrition Policy
  • Obesity* / diet therapy
  • Young Adult