In a world where social media dominates our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the lives of our favorite influencers. Social media has been a double-edged sword, with its plethora of negative effects on mental health and well-being, yet it also serves as a catalyst for positive change in our lives. One area where it has had a surprisingly positive impact is on our collective desire for fitness and well-being.
Influencers on social media platforms have fueled a surge in the desire to attain not only a healthy body but also a great-looking one. This phenomenon has led to a shift in perspective; being healthy is no longer the sole objective of working out, as the desire for a lean body, competitiveness, and excelling in activities in sports event, such as marathon, have gained prominence.
Yet, it is essential to acknowledge that this mode of influence can often be toxic. The pressure to achieve instant results with one-size-fits-all mindset drive many to adopt extreme measures, which, rather than promoting health, can lead to physical exhaustion, collapse, and even hospitalization.
The Untold Truth of Influencer Health and Fitness Routines
It’s often a mystery what influencers do behind the scenes: what foods do they avoid, what exercises do they perform, and what simple habits do they follow that, over time, significantly boost their metabolism? It is impossible to keep up with their life 24/7.
Most influencers share only glimpses of their daily routines, leaving the behind-the-scenes efforts that contribute to their health and fitness largely hidden. While they might post a photo of a beautifully presented meal or a video of a workout session, we rarely get to see the full picture of their routine, including the struggles, compromises, and daily disciplines they practice to keep their metabolism high and stay fit.
To be worsen, it’s not uncommon for influencers to promote sponsored health and wellness products that may not actually be what you need, or even worse, may not be compatible with your body. It’s important to remember that what works for one person may not work for another, and it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise regimen.
We are genetically unique
Obviously, each one of us is different, right down to our genetic sequences. This means that key factors like how we burn fat, our metabolism, and our tendency to gain weight are also different from those of the celebrities and influencers we often admire for their physique. It’s important to acknowledge a hard truth: there is a wide variation in body weight among people. Some are more prone to severe obesity, while others seem to stay slim effortlessly. Research has shown that certain genes can predispose us to obesity. Understanding our individual genetic makeup can be crucial in our journey towards better health and fitness.
Researchers have turned to studies involving twins to confirm the influence of genes on certain biological effects. This approach was used in studies on the obesity gene. For example, a study performed by examining family members, twins, and adoptees, researchers found compelling evidence that a substantial portion of the variation in weight among adults can be attributed to genetic factors.
Genetic and epigenetic variations play a crucial role in obesity by affecting the function of metabolic pathways in our body and regulating neural pathways and appetite centers. As a result, these variations impact insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, inflammation, hypertension, and ectopic fat deposition—particularly in the liver. These are all significant markers of obesity (read: Genetics and Obesity).
While genetic factors are indeed crucial, possessing a gene associated with obesity doesn’t predestine anyone to obesity. Lifestyle choices, encompassing diet and exercise, are still determinants of our overall health and weight. It’s incredibly empowering to realize that we take control over these facets of our lives.
Instead of fixating on replicating every minute detail of a celebrity’s physique, let’s focus on setting realistic goals for our health and well-being. After all, the journey to health is personal, and it’s about feeling good in our own skin!
Following Influencers May Not Be the Key to Long-Term Success
We ignore the simple things that we could do. We change our food intake drastically and strictly follow what the influencers eat, the foods that are not our preferences, and of course, we cannot consume them in the long term. It’s easy to fall into the trap of emulating the lifestyles of influencers down to the smallest detail, hoping to achieve similar results.
It’s essential to remember that the most important part of changing our habits is selecting those that we can maintain forever, even the smallest ones. Adopting simple, sustainable changes to our daily routine, such as incorporating moderate exercise, drinking enough water, and consuming a balanced diet that includes our preferred foods, can lead to long-term success and a healthier metabolism. Instead of attempting a complete overhaul of our lifestyle based on someone else’s routine, it is more beneficial to make incremental changes that we can stick to and that align with our personal preferences and needs.
Healthy is not about looking slim
In a world where social media often highlights just the aesthetics of a person, there is a growing obsession with appearing thin. This focus can easily divert our attention from the ultimate goal, which is having a healthy body. The popular saying “thin outside, fat inside” (TOFI) is a stark reminder that what matters more than outward appearance is the muscle mass of our bodies. Besides, genetic factors play a pivotal role in determining our waist-hip ratio, which in turn affects how body fat is distributed. Researchers have discovered that certain genetic variants influence fat storage by affecting metabolism, fat tissue, bone growth, and a hormone that breaks down fat (Read: Protein-coding variants implicate novel genes related to lipid homeostasis contributing to body-fat distribution).
It is important to remember that we are all blessed with different body shapes – apple, pear, or ruler (column) – and each has its own set of health implications. At the end of the day, what matters most is maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regardless of our body shape or size.
Joyful and Wellbeing Matters
It’s incredibly easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others, spiraling into a vortex of unrealistic expectations and unhealthy goals that only serve to stress us out. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we often lose sight of the fact that the true purpose of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and exercising regularly is not just to achieve physical fitness, but also to nurture our mental health and uplift our mood. A holistic routine that encompasses a balanced diet and regular physical activity can work wonders for our mental well-being, playing a crucial role in managing stress and anxiety.
This is why it’s important to pick a workout that you love the most and be wise to enjoy the foods you love the most while focusing on eating the healthy ones. By adopting this approach, you can sustain your healthy lifestyle and enjoy the happiness that comes as rewarding side effects. Ultimately, our approach to health and fitness should be one of self-care and self-love rather than self-punishment.
No One-Size-Fits-All
Absolutely, the idea that there’s a one-size-fits-all approach to maintaining a healthy and fit body is a myth that needs debunking. Our bodies are as individual as our personalities, and what works wonders for the healthy influencers that we love to look up may not have the same effect on ourselves. Factors like genetics, lifestyle, and environment we live in can all play a role in determining our individual health and fitness needs.
It’s important to pay attention to how your body responds to different forms of exercise and nutrition, and to make adjustments accordingly. Consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to create a plan that’s tailored to your specific needs. Ultimately, the key to maintaining a healthy and fit body is to find a routine that works for you personally, and to make any necessary adjustments along the way.
