Why Following Wellness Trends Can Be Harmful To Mental Health: Current Trends And Impacts

Hundreds to thousands of wellness trends and products arose that promised consumers “results” in some area of health, whether they focus on weight, muscle mass, or mental health. Despite the popularity of these trends, many are not based on medical facts and may lead to worsened mental and physical health. 

When looking at trends online, it can be essential to know how to tell the difference between scientific facts and “life hacks” people have made up for views. 

Reasons wellness trends can harm mental health 

Wellness trends may come from a place of positive intent, but they can often lead to viral information being spread when the information isn’t healthy or accurate. Below are a few reasons to avoid wellness trends.

Non-experts often promote the wellness trends

Many of the most popular influencer accounts on social media are not medical experts. Although medical influencers exist, information can be spread by people from any profession or walk of life. 

For example, a mother might share a “wellness hack” she used as a teen that goes viral overnight. The hack might seem positive in theory, but because the original person who shared the video was not an expert, she wasn’t aware that the hack could lead to illness. 

Even after deleting a video or posting a disclaimer, people can save videos, record their device screens, and share the information on their accounts, starting a trend. The original video can then be shared as a “fact” or taken out of proportion. 

They may be untrue 

Some wellness hacks are not based on facts but are instead used by companies and individuals to attempt to sell a product, increase follower count, or meet some other personally motivated goal. Other trends may be jokes or passing thoughts a person had that accidentally went viral. When an untrue wellness tip is shared by multiple people or becomes popular, it can lead to misinformation and uninformed consent. Those who use the hack may be partaking in it because it seems credible due to its popularity. However, engaging in a trend just because it’s popular may lead to health complications. 

Some trends in social media may be unsafe

As mentioned above, some trends can be unsafe, even if the person sharing the trend hasn’t seemed to be harmed by it. Everyone has a different body, unique tolerance, and medical history. For this reason, people may not react the same to certain behaviors or “hacks” as others. 

When trying a trend you’ve seen online, it can be healthiest to first speak to your doctor, as they know your health and the science behind healthcare and can help you determine whether an action is dangerous. 

It can spread false information about physical and mental health about certain diagnoses

People may spread false information about diagnostic labels or conditions on certain social media apps. This health trend involves connecting certain behaviors or symptoms to a condition with which someone may or may not be diagnosed. 

For example, someone online might say, “If you like weighted blankets, you are autistic.” Although some autistic people may enjoy weighted blankets due to the sensory stimulation, not everyone who likes weighted blankets is autistic. For this reason, an official diagnosis is healthier than going along with a trend of diagnosing yourself based on a singular statement online. 

The wellness trend can promote a negative body image

Some wellness trends are focused on weight loss and achieving an “ideal body type,” which can be harmful. Studies show that weight doesn’t necessarily indicate one’s health. Many factors can affect health, and people classified as “average” or “underweight” can also be at risk for health conditions. 

Trends that make false claims about body type, weight, or physical traits can influence sensitive people to participate in unhealthy trends to change their appearance. For example, a trend that claims you can remove a double chin by using a face massager might encourage individuals with a double chin to believe that their face is not desirable or beautiful. 

Social media use has been associated with poor body image and reduced mental wellness, especially in young people. Many people who are viewing wellness trends are teens or children. For this reason, wellness trends may encourage the development of insecurity and eating disorders from a young age. 

If you are experiencing a crisis related to an eating disorder or would like further resources, contact the ANAD Eating Disorders Helpline at 1-888-375-7767 from Monday through Friday, 9 am to 9 pm CT. 

Unhealthy wellness trends from social media 

Many online wellness trends are unhealthy. Below are some of the most prevalent about which to be aware. 

“What I eat in a day” videos

Some fitness influencers may post “what I eat in a day” videos, which showcase their supposed meals throughout the day. These videos may position the individual’s diet as “healthy” or “superior” without considering that viewers have unique nutritional needs and that some of the diet choices in the video may not be healthy. 

For example, an influencer may post a video showcasing a full liquid cleanse diet complete with claims about various vitamins, minerals, and supplements that the influencer deems “healthy.” To viewers, these products may seem ideal after seeing the fit body of the influencer, their financially stable life, and their clean home. However, there may be a few aspects of the video that are not be seen on screen, including but not limited to the following:  

• The products in the video could be part of an ad that the influencer has been paid to promote.
• The influencer may work out and use other wellness habits to maintain their body type. 
• The influencer may eat several other snacks or meals during the day that they don’t show on screen. 
• The viewers may not be sure whether the influencer eats, drinks, or finishes the products shown in the video. 
• The viewer doesn’t have access to the nutritional content or ingredients of the items shown in the video outside of what the influencer states. 
• The products in the video could be part of a multilevel marketing scheme (MLM). 

Although sharing one’s diet may not be inherently unhealthy, be wary before trying to mimic an influencer’s daily diet videos, as they may not give you all the information to make an informed decision. In addition, your unique health history and body type may change whether the portions, ingredients, or types of food and drink shown are healthy for you. 

Weight loss or immune-boosting products

Social media and marketing are closely connected, as 77% of all businesses use social media to market their products and services. For this reason, influencer marketing has become a popular way for businesses to sell to clients. If a client is unaware that the content they are seeing is an ad, or if their favorite influencer or celebrity is sharing a product, they may believe the product is healthy based on this endorsement from a trusted figure. 

Some businesses, influencers, and MLM companies use social media to boost weight loss or immune-boosting products that may not be effective. Using the power of influencer marketing, a person can make a product seem effective by creating a viral video and using the product in their video. Companies may also pay influencers to use false images, videos, or slogans to make it seem as if their product is trustworthy. Some of these products may not be FDA-approved or tested on enough people to be safe, potentially leading to future health risks. 

Before buying any medical or quasi-medical product or item that claims to help you lose weight or boost your immune system, show the video, photo, or ad to your doctor and talk about the potential risks and whether a product of that type could be as effective as the company claims. 

Dry scooping pre-workout powders

A recent trend on TikTok is eating pre-workout powders, which are made to be diluted in liquid before use, dry. Viral videos claim that “dry scooping” can increase the power of the powders, giving individuals an energy boost that improves their workout. 

However, according to the National Capital Poison Center, dry scooping is life-threatening. It can result in choking and breathing difficulties. In addition, when a product is not diluted by liquid, more significant amounts of the ingredients can be ingested and directly absorbed into the bloodstream, potentially leading to toxicity. Pre-workout powders may have a significant amount of caffeine, leading to a fast heart rate, dizziness, anxiety, and potential health problems, especially when paired with strenuous exercise. 

BORG drinking

Videos have surfaced online of a trend called “blackout rage gallons” (BORG), which are gallon jugs full of hard liquor, water, and flavoring. These jugs have been labeled a “wellness trend” because they are marketed as a way to drink more water while drinking alcohol, “watering down” the alcohol content. 

BORG water is unsafe because it often involves high amounts of alcohol. The water in the jug does not offset the alcohol content, which may lead some people to unintentionally drink over ten shots at a time. Regardless of whether you drink water with alcohol, taking ten shots can lead to alcohol intoxication and other severe health risks, up to and including death. 

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

Vaginal rejuvenation trends

Some clinics advertise “vaginal rejuvenation” to people with a gynecological reproductive system. This “rejuvenation” might involve unsafe cosmetic procedures and energy machine use on the genital area. 

The USFDA has not approved any energy-based devices or products for performing vaginal rejuvenation or vaginal cosmetic procedures. These devices may be unsafe and lead to vaginal burns, scarring, pain during sex, and chronic pain. In addition, inserting crystals or stones into your vagina can also cause complications, such as pain, difficulty removing the object, and infections. 

Don’t get caught up on the wellness trend: Ways to avoid unhealthy wellness trends 

As social media continues to grow, wellness trends may, as well. You can avoid becoming influenced by these trends by taking the following steps. 

Don’t rely on influencers for health information 

Any social media influencer may have ulterior motives, lie to their audience, or share products that aren’t safe. In some cases, influencers do not know that the products or ideas they share are unsafe. 

Instead of relying on celebrities, influencers, and online companies for information, get your health information from credible sources, including the following: 

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 
• The US Food And Drug Administration (FDA)  
• The National Institutes of Health (NIH) 
• Official hospital websites 
• Your primary care physician 

Fact check videos

When you come across a video claiming a new wellness trend or idea, fact-check the video using an official fact-checking resource, like Snopes. Note that doctors, health clinics, and healthcare professionals can also share untrue information. 

Being a professional may not keep someone from taking on marketing promotions, being misinformed, or being misinterpreted. Instead of following healthcare influencers who seem to be experts, speak to a doctor who understands your personal health history and whom you trust. 

Talk to your doctor 

The most effective way to understand whether a trend is healthy for you is by explicitly talking to your doctor. Even if a trend works for someone else, it might interact poorly with your medications, diet, body type, current health conditions, or health history. Factors like height, weight, and age can also influence how a body might react to a health trend. Everyone is different, so talk to your doctor before trying any “health hack.” 

Partake in self-care

If a wellness trend has adversely impacted you, you’re not alone. Self-care is one way to reduce the impacts of stress, anxiety, and depression that can occur due to unhealthy online trends. A few ways to engage in self-care include the following: 

• Write in a journal
• Connect with nature 
• Take a hot bath or shower
• Unfollow unhealthy online accounts
• Follow body positivity accounts
• Check in with yourself about your social media habits 
• Eat a healthy snack
• Spend time with people you love 
• Join a support group 

Connect with a professional when dealing with physical and mental health wellness trends

Some health and wellness trends may be focused on mental health or self-diagnosis. If you see these trends pop up on your social media, consider first reaching out to a mental health professional before taking the information as a “fact.” Some “mental health professionals” online may lie about their credentials and share unsafe advice that doesn’t apply to your situation. 

To find accessible, evidence-based practices and guidance, it may be beneficial to try an online therapy platform like BetterHelp. Online therapy is led by licensed therapists, counselors, social workers, and other mental health professionals. In addition, online platforms allow you to choose phone, video, or live chat sessions from home and connect with a provider throughout the week. If you have questions about a health trend, you can send a message, and your therapist will get back to you as soon as they’re available. 

Studies also provide evidence for the effectiveness of online mental health services. One study found that online therapy could be more effective than in-person therapy in symptom reduction, affordability, and quality of life for clients. These results were maintained long-term.