5 Trending Topics in Health and Fitness on Social Media
Social media is a great place to find information about health and fitness. However, it can be overwhelming and frustrating when trying to figure out what is best for YOU. In this video I discuss five trending topics in the world of health, fitness, nutrition trending on social media and some things to keep in mind when evaluating the information you find:
1. GLP-1 Drugs
GLP-1 medications are drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes that have recently gained popularity for weight loss. A recent study showed that these medications can lead to weight loss from muscle and heart tissue, sparking debate about their safety and appropriateness for non-diabetics. I believe that these medications may be beneficial for people with severe obesity but not for those who are only mildly overweight. If you are not obese, start by building a solid foundation of real food, consistent exercise, and quality sleep.
2. Fitness Apps and Real Activity Levels
The number of people using fitness trackers and apps to monitor health and activity levels is staggering. While these devices can be helpful for tracking progress, they don't make you healthy.
3. Nutrition Misinformation
With an overwhelming amount of conflicting information about nutrition available online and in books. It's never been more important to start simplifying things. When it comes to nutrition, focus on eating real, whole foods derived from nature rather than trying to follow complex diets, track calories, or track specific nutrients. This approach is the simplest, most effective and SUSTAINABLE way to achieve and maintain good health.
4. Strength vs. Size
I believe the research around building muscle mass for greater longevity is the wrong thing to be looking at. Instead, we should be focused on MAXIMIZING full-body, functional strength. By sending the message that muscle size is most important, it can oftentimes lead to unhealthy practices like excessive calorie intake, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), and other unhealthy habits.
5. Mental Fitness Through Social Media
There are countless negative impacts of social media on mental health. But it's important to direct your focus to the potential benefits. We should be actively curating our feeds to deliver positive content and use the platform as a tool for motivation and accountability. We should also be educating our children about the potential dangers of social media and teaching them that it's tool that can be used for self improvement OR self sabotage.
Additional Tips for Evaluating Information on Social Media
- Be wary of information from people who are not qualified to give health advice.
- Do your own research before making any decisions about your health.
- It's your responsibility to create a feed that your mother would be proud of.
By being aware of these trends and following these tips, you can make informed decisions about your health and fitness.