COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — ‘Maxxing’ is the latest health trend that could potentially derail your health and wellness goals.
Social media trends can be fun and entertaining, however, when it comes to your mind and body, experts are encouraging people to steer away from falling victim because it could do more harm than good.
Every day social media feeds are flooded with influencer and brand content pushing advice and tips about dieting, fitness, supplements and even sleep routines, most of which simply are not healthy. Between misinformation and the overload of content, people are finding themselves following practices that leave them with no real benefits or results.
Social media algorithms are easily providing ‘maxxing’ content to audiences after a simple click, view or like. Suddenly your feed is filled with tempting messaging to try the latest fad, often times playing on one’s health concerns and/or insecurities.
The experts at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center are warning social media users to not be so easily swayed.
OSU medical experts urge social media users to avoid ‘maxxing’ health and wellness trend (The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center)
Caption: OSU medical experts urge social media users to avoid ‘maxxing’ health and wellness trend (The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center)
“Often, there’s not enough evidence to know whether these health practices are actually beneficial,” family and lifestyle medicine physician and clinical associate professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, Dr. Alison MacKinlay said.
“Depending on the trend, you may not realize you could be causing harm down the road.”
‘Maxxing’ is defined as a trend promoting extreme ways to optimize your physical and mental health. Some examples include:
Health-maxxing: Intense combinations of diet, exercise and sleep that may include tracking apps and devices aimed at improving physical healthWellness-maxxing: Applying a variety of health and wellness strategies for better health and mental well-beingStrength-maxxing: Adopting an extreme workout regimen to improve physical strength and appearanceProtein-maxxing: Eating high amounts of protein-rich foods and supplements to increase muscle mass
Experts like Dr. MacKinlay recommend people rely on science and research-based strategies to manage chronic disease or illnesses and improving their health. Prioritize visiting real doctors to offer clarity, separate fact from fiction, and come up with palpable solutions or treatment plans avoiding what is being pushed on to you because it’s “trendy.”
“It’s good to bring these things up during medical visits,” MacKinlay said. “It means you want to understand and take an effort towards better managing your health. My role as a healthcare provider is to listen for red flags, educate and share decision making to help you choose the best path.”
MacKinlay adds, “If you’re spending money on these trends and not having the benefit that you desire or it’s causing you physical harm or stress, stop. Instead put your time and money into something that actually helps the health concern. Everyone is different. There is no easy one size fits all like we see on social media.”