Hidden amongst the genuine, high-quality wellness trends that have been popping up over the past few years, are some...not-so-great trends that can do some serious harm to our bodies. Some of those "wellness" trends include detox teas, appetite suppressant lollipops and other dieting methods. Today we're here to talk about the negative, and sometimes harmful, impacts that these weight-loss trends can have on your body and why you should avoid them at all costs.
Detox teas
Over the past few years you’ve likely seen a rise in social media “influencers” promoting various diets or detox teas. Influencers go on about how these teas will help you shed weight and shrink your waistline without an ounce of work. Sounds tempting, right? Well, all these “teas” will do is have you glued to the toilet and drain your wallet. They’re essentially glammed up laxatives that can absolutely destroy your natural bodily processes, and sure after you’ve spent an abnormal amount of time in the loo your stomach might be flatter for a hot second, but within hours you’ll be “gaining” that weight back because nothing about your body actually changed in the first place.
Luckily, celebrities and activists like Jameela Jamil have our back and they’re utilizing their platforms to call out these terrible products and irresponsible influencers for what they truly are: products created by companies that are capitalizing on unrealistic body standards created in the wellness industry.
The good thing is, at this point, most celebrities who endorse these garbage products have been and are continuing to be called out for the negative influence they’re having on young people. And in more good news, the concept of wellness is continuing to move from “skinny” to healthy as a society is beginning to recognize that health doesn’t look one specific way.
The condemnation of diet and detox drinks and the recognition of the diverse ways that health shows up in different bodies are working together to reframe the wellness narrative, which is ultimately a positive for the overall wellbeing of society.
Appetite suppressant lollipops
Similarly to their BFF the weight loss tea, “appetite suppressant lollipops” are simply another ploy to capitalize on body insecurity. As if most people don’t already have enough of an internal battle going on about the way their body looks, companies are now producing candy that supposedly suppresses your appetite, and chances are that individuals who already struggle with some form of eating disorder or body dysphoria are the ones being sucked in by the promise of having a tiny waist and a “thigh gap.”
Again, celebrities and influencers are acting irresponsibly by using their platform to make a negative impact on the delicate mindset of young people.
To be blatantly clear: these lollipops and any other sort of “flat tummy” or “appetite suppressant” candies DO. NOT. WORK. They’re simply another way for brands to make money off of influencers.
Dieting in general
Yes, eating well and being conscious of how you choose to fuel your body is a thoughtful, healthy way to live your life. But, trying to cut all carbs and sugar and well… fun, out of your diet isn’t going to work. For most people at least. Some people just don’t have a sweet tooth, others don’t naturally dive into the endless bread basket when you go out for dinner, and that’s just who they are, how their mind works, and how their body functions. But for many of us, that isn’t the case.
If you’re seriously struggling with weight loss, you should consult with a physician, a certified dietician or a certified trainer to figure out a program that will work for you to get to and maintain a healthy weight.
If you’re trying to drop from a size 4 to a 0, first off, chances are you don’t need to. Your drive to drop a pants size is fueled by society’s unrealistic body standards. And second, going keto, doing the whole 30, going sugar free, or practicing intermittent fasting may not be the best option. More often than not, people who attempt extreme diets may swing drastically in the opposite direction a few weeks after they start them.
Being healthy is incredibly important. Eating your veggies, proteins, fruits, and yes, even your carbohydrates and fats are essential for functioning at your best. They’re also essential for your longevity. And to be blatantly honest, the shape and size of your body is not even close to the most important thing in life. So if you’re thinking about exploring one of these “trends,” take a moment to reflect on who or what is influencing you to do so, and if they seem to be upholding an unrealistic standard of wellness simply for the purpose of appearing “healthy” on social media, it might be time to reconsider.
