Many of the attempts we made in 2022 to improve and maintain our health were influenced by social media, though not always for the better. Our collective decision to cease going above and beyond at work, as well as talk of weight-loss medicines, spread like wildfire online.
The start of a new year is the ideal moment to review these routines. So, consider these nine wellness trends better off being abandoned as we’re set to embark on a new journey through 2023.
Weight-loss shots
Two weight-loss injections, Ozempic and Wegovy, which are used to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity, are in high demand. There are people talking about it on social media channels, and those success stories are being amplified. Even those without diabetes are asking about the injections and looking for physicians who will write prescriptions for them.
Tread carefully though. These medications temporarily reduce appetite, allowing users to consume less food without feeling hungry. Since the injections are meant to be used long-term, people who stop taking them usually recover the weight they lost. Although the medications are thought to be safe for the target populations, they may have side effects such as pancreatitis, visual abnormalities, low blood sugar, and issues with the kidneys and gallbladder.
Those who want to lose weight should adhere to the fundamentals. This calls for a focus on whole grains, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables. which is a long-term strategy for losing weight and leading a healthy life.
Self-Diagnosis
There is a steady barrage of mental health content on social media. According to mental health experts, it’s now common for people who read these posts—often teenagers—to self-diagnose the ailment that most resonates with them.
Misinformation is widely disseminated, while high-quality content frequently does poorly. Self-diagnosis is a problem that needs to be stopped moving forward when those factors are combined with the challenge of getting access to mental health care.
Quiet quitting
In 2022, there was a lot of talk about quitting quietly. This expression, which has become incredibly common, means working as little as possible rather than exceeding expectations. While establishing boundaries between work and personal life is usually a good idea, quietly leaving a job that you don’t like or feel fulfilled in normalises the practice. Burnout, stress, and anxiety are all increased by doing this.
Instead, consider career opportunities in 2023 where there is a better match. Take the time to really consider yourself, your abilities, talents, and enthusiasm.
Overdoing melatonin
Globally, post-pandemic stress has increased, causing people to sleep less than they should. Because of this, melatonin use has likely steadily increased. However, experts now worry that we may be using over-the-counter sleep medication excessively.
This is concerning for numerous reasons, such as the lack of information regarding the long-term safety of consistent use and the fact that the supplement is not subject to the same stringent regulations as medication. Melatonin can, for most people, turn into a helpful crutch to offset late-night scrolling. Medication cannot, however, take the place of a good lifestyle.
So, starting in 2023, make sure you only take melatonin on rare occasions. Additionally, it’s crucial to maintain a regular bedtime by turning down the lights and avoiding any electronic devices for an hour before bed.
Toxic body positivity
Regardless of size, shape, or ability, the body-positivity movement seeks to accept, value, and celebrate all bodies. But the body positivity movement has become more and more harmful. It puts the onus on those with more marginalised bodies to just accept themselves despite the very real, structural forces that support poor body image. It’s impractical to expect everyone to constantly appreciate their bodies.
Instead, aim to practise body neutrality in 2023. That entails letting go of any positive or negative feelings we may have about our bodies and accepting them as the vehicles that enable us to lead an active lifestyle.
What I eat in a day videos
Welcome to the 15-second shorts of a wellness influencer’s day’s food intake. These videos have a large audience and risk encouraging unhealthy body image and inflated expectations.
Everyone’s body responds differently to different foods since no one has the same DNA as you. Most individuals who upload “what I eat in a day” films omit portions of their meals, especially the less nourishing options. Following someone else’s daily diet means we aren’t trusting our bodies to tell us what they need to consume.
At-home IV therapy
Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber sat on couches in a much-discussed episode of The Kardashians in May while connected to IVs that pumped vitamins into their bloodstreams. They mentioned getting nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme that is advertised as having the ability to promote cell regeneration and provide energy.
Even non-celebrities embraced IV drip therapy in 2022. However, lack of regulation is one of the greatest issues with such treatments. Furthermore, there is little evidence that they are beneficial or required for the ordinary individual, and taking excessive amounts of fat-soluble vitamins can be harmful.
Simply put, skip the drip in 2023.
Immune-boosting products
Immune boosters like hydration powder and gummies have been in high demand ever since the pandemic began. However, these items are not the secret to remaining healthy. Your immune system cannot get a boost kick. In fact, the immune system might become out of control if there is an excessive immunological response.
The best defence against infections is to maintain a balanced diet that prioritises veggies, fiber, and little to no saturated fat. Get enough exercise, give up smoking, and control chronic illnesses like high blood pressure and diabetes.
So, save your money for more enjoyable and successful health-related activities in 2023.
Massage guns for fitness recovery
In 2022, massage guns were extremely popular. Your muscles are pounded by these little machines, which purport to loosen tight tissues and ease discomfort. They can make you feel wonderful, but they’re not ideal for post-workout recuperation.
The truth is that not every needs to splurge on a handheld massage gun. There are no true replacements for getting the fundamentals of wellness right, such as plenty of sleep, hydration, and focusing on a balanced diet. These handheld devices are not a silver bullet, and should not be treated as such.
