As we enter a new year and start thinking about health, wellness, and New Year’s resolutions and goals, it’s important to be aware of the network of information available to us. We are bombarded every day by medical providers, physical trainers, magazine articles, television shows, friends and neighbors, advertisements, and social media.
Who should we believe? It can be overwhelming and confusing. Is the information right, or is it wrong? Why is it that some people will believe and follow what a social influencer says on social media before they will listen to the advice of a licensed medical professional? What gives a layperson the credibility to discuss medical diseases and treatment options online? And is artificial intelligence good or bad?
The answers, of course, depend on the situation—just like most things in life. But it’s important to know how to proceed.
Defining Wellness
Wellness is the active pursuit of good health and a state of physical and mental well-being, as well as the absence of disease. It is a conscious, ongoing process that involves making self-directed lifestyle choices that lead to a higher quality of life. To remain vital suggests maintaining a lively, energetic state of health. To remain fit means being in great physical shape and having the strength to stay active.
Despite the increase in metabolic syndrome, obesity, and poor metabolic health, there is also a significant rise in the desire to be whole—free from illness and injury, robust and resilient, and in a sound state of mental health. More and more people are striving to live a more successful and happier existence. Everyone is searching for the magic answer, the “correct, quick way” to make it happen.
People are turning to sources outside their own physicians and routine medical practices to find the perfect fit. Maybe a social media influencer looks a certain way, and the audience wants to be that person because that person appears beautiful and fit. Maybe it’s about cost, convenience, lack of trust in the healthcare system, time limitations, embarrassment, the desire to be better all around, or the need for recognition and approval.
The Role of Social Media
Social media can be helpful. However, one must approach influencers with a healthy dose of skepticism, as trust depends on the individual influencer’s transparency and the nature of their content. While some influencers are perceived as authentic and can be sources of reliable recommendations, others may lack disclosure, promote unrealistic lifestyles, or lack genuine expertise, making them untrustworthy.
It’s important to verify an influencer’s claims and check for disclosure of sponsored content, especially when it involves financial or health advice. The longer you follow an influencer, the more likely you are to trust what they say. But don’t get “sucked in.”
Before Engaging with a Social Influencer
1. Verify credentials and determine qualifications.
Do they have a degree, license, or certification from a reputable body in a relevant field? Experience does not equal expertise. One is not an expert because of a personal result. Just because someone lost fifty pounds does not make that person qualified to promote their methods to others without formal training. Reputable influencers often include disclaimers stating they are not health professionals and that their content is for informational purposes only.
2. Cross-reference and fact-check claims before incorporating them into your life.
There is a great deal of misinformation on social media. Use what you learn as a stepping stone to a conversation with your healthcare provider to verify what you’ve heard.
3. Be aware of commercial bias.
Influencers may monetize their platforms through sponsored content, product sales, or affiliate programs. Watch for tags such as #ad or #sponsored; these can be red flags. Evaluate product claims carefully. Science-based health advice rarely involves selling a single, expensive, cure-all product (although science-based programs that include products can sometimes be beneficial).
4. Beware of unrealistic goals.
Recognize the unattainable ideals often portrayed by influencers and realize that one path does not fit all. Wellness must be individualized. Focus on something realistic and sustainable for you. Don’t let influencers cause anxiety or feelings of inadequacy through their comments, photos, or comparisons.
The Dangers of Social Media
Excessive social media use has been linked to higher risks of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Constant comparison to the curated lives of others can lead to feelings of inadequacy. Cyberbullying can also contribute to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
Avoid addiction and excessive scrolling. It can distract you from school, work, exercise, and in-person relationships. Social media platforms can expose users to predators who use fake profiles to exploit or extort them. Privacy can be compromised through oversharing personal information or location data, as well as through targeted advertising.
Social media feeds can spread biased, incorrect, or misleading information, leading to a distorted view of reality.
Moving Forward
As we go into the new year, utilize whatever tools and information you can to bring yourself to a healthier place in 2026. But proceed with caution. Create a happier, healthier you—not by following “magic” solutions, but by using common sense to develop a plan that is reasonable, realistic, and sustainable for the long term
Health & Fitness
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Coleen Andruss practiced as an internist for ten years and has specialized in weight management for twenty-nine years. She and her staff have personally experienced weight management issues and have a compassionate understanding of patients in the Healthy Lifestyles program. Dr. Andruss’s internal medicine background helps her to see underlying medical problems when formulating individual plans that work.