As we step into the new year, let's seize the opportunity to distance ourselves from outdated and potentially harmful health trends. Unfortunately, some of the health trends projected for 2023 have proven to be disappointing, filled with misleading information. In the spirit of making conscious and healthy choices, let's explore the trends that should be left behind in the new year. 👇
Fitness instructor Marley Bigos highlighted the 75 Hard Challenge as one of the worst fitness trends on social media this year. This demanding 75-day program requires individuals to follow a specific diet without alcohol or 'cheat meals,' engage in two 45-minute workouts daily, consume 4.5 liters of water daily, and take progress photos. Bigos emphasized that this approach may not be sustainable or healthy and could contribute to the development of eating disorders. While exercising twice a day can be challenging, it can be safe and achievable with proper rest days and a strong focus on recovery.
The trend of working out every day has been on the rise, but experts caution against excessive exercise without adequate rest. Overemphasizing continuous training increases the risk of injuries and reduces the opportunity for sufficient rest. The body needs time to rest and replenish energy stores, allowing muscles to repair and aiding recovery from any discomfort.
Sports coach Brown expressed concerns about the excessive reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) in fitness, from workouts created by AI coaches to ChatGPT-generated routines. Current AI often overlooks the specific nuances and personalization of protocols based on an individual's unique circumstances. For instance, AI cannot understand a person's fitness history or the subtleties that a personal trainer who has worked with them for years might comprehend.
Professional counselor Maggie Lancioni shared thoughts on the misuse of popular psychology terms on social media, such as boundaries, triggers, and intrusive thoughts. Lancioni noted that terms like 'boundaries' are often misinterpreted, with individuals establishing boundaries for others and attempting to control others' behaviors, which is not the intended use of these psychological concepts.
The increasing use of social media for mental health support has led to problematic situations where individuals self-diagnose mental health disorders based on online information. Lancioni highlighted the prevalence of self-diagnosis on social media, where people attribute feelings like fatigue to depression or lack of concentration to ADHD without seeking professional evaluation.
Lancioni and McMillian noted the unfortunate situation of relying on social media influencers for health advice in a study on physical and mental health trends. McMillian emphasized that having a great body, a large following, cool workouts, or a quality camera doesn't make someone an expert. If not certified, they are merely entertainers. It's essential not to assume that workouts or apps that work for them will work for everyone, as people have different body types, lifestyles, and strengths.
This year, the drug Ozempic, originally used for diabetes treatment, gained popularity for its purported weight-loss effects. However, the drug is expensive and requires a prescription, leading many to seek cheaper alternatives claiming similar benefits. Herbal supplements, gaining popularity on social media, are also claimed to induce weight changes, but experts remain uncertain about their effectiveness.