How to Spot a Health and Wellness Fad
In the past few years, the health and wellness space has really exploded with new products, miracle cures, and renamed diets, along with influencers giving their promises to the products, which seems to take things to a whole new level. While some trends hold true to their value, others fade away just as fast as they have arrived. Knowing how to spot a fad can help you save your time, energy, and money on practices that may not be as beneficial as displayed.
What is a Health and Wellness Fad?
A health and wellness fad can be defined as a diet, product, practice, or interest followed for a time with exaggerated zeal. While this has always gone on in the health and wellness world, things are different now. Nowadays, these things are heavily marketed through influencers and social media, sometimes even by brands with little to no credible background in health.
Health fads often fade because they are unsustainable or ineffective. The idea of quick results has always been something that people are drawn to, making these fads appealing.
Let's break down some fads from the recent years.
Juice Cleanses and Detoxes
Promises : “Flush out toxins, lose weight, and boost energy.”
Reality : While juice cleanses and detoxes can be an easy source of vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients, our body comes with its own natural detox system. Our organs, such as our digestive tract, liver, kidneys, lungs, and skin, naturally detoxify the body. Prolonged restrictive juice cleanses can deprive the body of essential nutrients, lead to blood sugar imbalances, cravings, slowed metabolism, and lend a hand to disordered eating. Short-term weight loss from these cleanses is often regained after regular habits resume.
Collagen Supplements for Skin Health
Promise : “Take collagen for glowing skin, strong hair, gut health and joint health.”
Reality : Collagen is and can be beneficial for some people, but many factors, including diet and lifestyle, influence skin, hair, and joint health. Your body will make its own collagen given the right nutrients and environment as well. Collagen supplements are often marketed as “miracle” anti-aging products, yet their effects vary, and whole foods rich in collagen-boosting nutrients may be just as effective.
Intermittent Fasting
Promise : Improve metabolism, lose weight, and increase mental clarity by eating in specific windows.
Reality : Intermittent fasting can work for some, but it’s not a guaranteed path to better health. Fasting does not suit everyone, particularly those with a history of disordered eating or adrenal fatigue. Additionally, it’s easy to misinterpret this approach and overeat in the feeding windows, which can lead to more digestive stress than actual benefit.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss
Promise : Drink apple cider vinegar daily to burn fat and control appetite.
Reality : Apple cider vinegar has its place; it can aid with digestion or balancing blood sugar levels, but it’s far from a magic bullet. Whole-food dietary changes have a far greater impact on weight loss and health. It is not the quick-fix weight solution that it claims to be.
Does it sound like there is a pattern here?
Here are some red flags to help you spot a wellness fad:
Promises Quick and Dramatic Results - Fads often promise rapid transformations like “lose 10 pounds in a week” or “detox your entire body.” True health changes are gradual and sustainable and involve balanced, long-term lifestyle adjustments.
Heavily Marketed by Influencers - While many influencers are passionate about wellness, remember that they’re often paid to promote products. If you see an unproven supplement or program flooding your feed, be cautious.
Expensive or Exclusive Products - Health often comes back to the basics and shouldn’t have to come with a high, “life-sentence” price tag. Fads often require special, costly products that are marketed as “must-haves” for your health goals. In reality, many of these products are not targeted to specific needs and can often be replaced by whole foods.
One-Size-Fits-All Solutions - Wellness fads often ignore bio-individuality, suggesting that everyone can benefit from the same approach. If a trend insists it’s right for everyone, it’s worth questioning. What works for one person may not work for another for a wide variety of reasons, especially when considering factors like lifestyle, medical history, and personal goals.
When approaching health and wellness on your own, seek out reputable sources. Make sure you do your research but also ask yourself if you are covering your basics first.
The basics
Balanced diet : Incorporating a variety of foods to ensure nutrient diversity.
Movement and exercise that you find enjoyable.
Getting adequate sleep
Self-Care and Stress Management : that works for you, your needs and lifestyle
Health and wellness fads can be tempting, especially when you want things to have changed yesterday. However, by focusing on long-term, holistic health practices, you can create a wellness routine that truly supports your goals and lifestyle. Wellness is a journey—embrace the process, stay informed, and listen to your body. Real health takes time, patience, and a commitment to practices that fit into your life in a balanced, sustainable way.
If you feel like you are covering the basics and are looking for a more personalized approach to your health, reach out and send me an email. We can work together to make a plan that works for you, where you are at now, and where you will be in the future.
