Social media was a major influencer in 2022 when many people tried to stay healthy. But not always for the best. The internet was abuzz with talk about weight loss drugs, and our collective agreement to quit going the extra mile at work. We came back to Dr. TikTok over and over again and were too focused on our body image, even when we tried to be positive.
These are 3 wellness trends that you should avoid in 2023.
Weight loss shots
Two weight-loss injections for Type 2 diabetes and obesity that are popular among those without the condition, Ozempic or Wegovy are in high demand are Wegovy and Ozempic. These drugs temporarily reduce appetite and allow people to eat less, but not feel hungry. In just 68 weeks, the average person will lose 15% of their body weight. However, the injections can be used for a long time and people who stop taking them often gain the weight back. The drugs are safe for those who need them. However, side effects such as pancreatitis and changes in vision and kidney or gallbladder health can occur.
Some of these drugs are currently experiencing shortages for a variety of reasons. Experts condemn vanity-fueled drug use. People who want to lose weight should stick to the basics. This means focusing on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and other healthy foods.
Toxic Body Positivity
The body-positivity movement seeks to celebrate and accept all bodies, regardless of their size, shape, or ability. Critics are pointing out that body positivity is becoming toxic. According to Saba Harouni Laurie, a Los Angeles-based therapist, it “places the burden upon those with less marginalized bodies to love themselves regardless of the very real, systematic forces that promote negative body images.” “Body positivity reinforces the idea that a person’s body has value. She adds that it’s unrealistic for people to love all aspects of their bodies at once. This can lead to shame and guilt.
She suggests that we instead strive to be body neutrality in 2023. This means that we should accept our bodies as being able to exercise or go to the mailbox. Albers suggests that you start by unfollowing any social media accounts that encourage unhealthy body-image ideals. Next, change your self-talk. Instead of saying “I love my body”, change your self-talk to “I accept my body as is.” She says, “I appreciate what it does to me.”
“What I Eat in a Day” TikToks
This highlight reel shows you the 15-second highlights of the day of one wellness influencer. These videos were viewed over 14 billion times on TikTok. Experts warn that they can promote unrealistic expectations and a negative body image.
“Most people who post these videos have small bodies and are attractive, but they also suggest that eating what they eat will make you feel better, manage your symptoms and get the results you desire,” states Emily Tills, a New York-based registered dietitian nutritionist. This would suggest that nutrition should be treated in a uniform way, which is not true. “No one is born with the same genes, no one processes food in the same way, and no one has the same diet history.” These factors all impact the way your body reacts.
Tills also points out that most people who post “What I Eat in a Day” videos don’t include all of their food, especially the more nutritious ones. She says, “They aren’t broadcasting that their eating disorder is a problem or that they have a preference for certain foods.” “Following what someone else eats in one day is rejecting that our body will guide us to eat the right foods,” Tills suggests that you scroll on the next time you see one of these videos.