6 viral health trends that waste the most money

Yahoo

18-06-2025

There isn't a day that goes by without a new viral health trend on social media, and a new survey shows how Brits are willing to spend hundreds a month to test them out.
The survey, which involved more than 2,000 respondents, found that the average Briton now spends more than £2,000 per year on "miracle" wellness products they've seen online.
According to the survey, carried out by Green Chef, the vast majority of respondents (93%) believe that social media has created the current global obsession with wellness, health and beauty products.
Protein shakes were the most popular trend among respondents, followed by products that promise clear skin, and collagen supplements that claim to get rid of wrinkles and boost skin health.
Other popular wellness products that people spend money on include vitamins that claim to boost immunity, anti-fatigue and anti-inflammatory "cures", and beauty treatments like under-eye patches that claim to reduce eye bags and wrinkles.
Green Chef's survey also found that nearly half (48%) of respondents admitted to prioritising supplements over eating a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins, proteins and healthy fats.
Only a third (33%) of those involved in the survey feel like they pay enough attention to what they eat.
And despite 30% of people feeling let down by the pills and potions touted by influencers, many continue to pour time and money into them in an effort to look and feel better.
But experts say some wellness trends are a drain on your finances and nothing more, offering little to no proven benefits for your body and overall health.
Dr Claire Merrifield, GP and medical director at Selph, tells Yahoo UK: "I would urge people to remember that whilst some supplements do have positive health benefits, they will only work alongside a balanced, healthy diet and regular exercise.
"A major concern amongst health professionals is that people are using these supplements instead of eating nutritious whole foods, fruits and vegetables, instead of exercising, instead of looking for ways to manage their stress and energy levels.
"It's also worth noting that the magnitude of effects of most supplements, compared to sustained, difficult lifestyle changes, is really very small. It's the last 10%, not the first 90%."
We find out which trends are the worst for both your health and bank account, and what you should be doing instead.
Collagen-based products have boomed in recent years thanks to huge demand for them, after beauty and wellness influencers and celebrities touted their purported benefits in improving skin health and appearance.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and is produced by combining amino acids. It is important as it provides structure, strength and support throughout your body – including in the skin.
However, collagen production declines as we age and existing collagen breaks down at a faster rate, which accounts for thinning skin and the formation of wrinkles as we grow older. This is why collagen supplements are often marketed as anti-ageing, as they claim to rejuvenate skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
But nurse practitioner and aesthetician Jen Vittanuova advises against buying collagen products that have no research to back up their effects – of which there are claimed to be many.
"I see a lot of people trying remedies that don't have research behind them, and people are really susceptible to what they see on TikTok because they have amazing marketing tactics," she tells Yahoo UK. "I understand why people buy them, but there are so many products out there and very, very few of them really work.
"My advice is to do your research, see if any accredited dermatologists, doctors or nurses out there are talking about the product you're thinking of buying, and if they are warning against it, don't buy it."
Protein shakes are hugely popular, particularly among people who are trying to get fit and build muscle. So-called gymfluencers often film themselves drinking protein shakes before, during and after a workout, leading fans to believe they are essential for fitness.
But Dr Merrifield warns: "Protein shakes will often contain a lot of additives such as sweeteners, thickening agents and E-numbers, making them ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which we know are harmful to your health and make you gain weight.
"Although protein supplements can be important, it's far better to look for clean, unflavoured protein powders and add them to something like a smoothie mix, rather than buying pre-made drinks."
Dr Merrifield warns people to stay away from most supplements that have the word "boost" in them, whether it's "boosting" energy, libido, immunity, or anything else, as they are a "big waste of money".
"When people are looking for an 'immunity booster' they are usually feeling run down or under the weather or are suffering from frequent infections," she adds. "In general, a good diet and decent sleep are the most important things you can do to keep your immune system happy.
"If you can't manage that then take high-dose vitamin C when you get a cold, and take a well-researched probiotic sold by a reputable company to reduce the number of infections you get. I wouldn't take any probiotic sold on social media, unless it was sold by a reputable company."
The vitamins you should be taking to keep your immunity and overall health in check are, in reality, "quite boring" but beneficial, Dr Merrifield says.
She says these are: vitamin D, Omega-3, creatine and high-quality protein powders.
Growing interest in foods, drinks and medicines with "anti-inflammatory" effects has taken over social media, as people search for ways to feel better.
Inflammation is the body's natural response to harmful and foreign stimuli, but it can cause harm if it takes place in healthy tissues or carries on for too long.
Some people claim an anti-inflammatory diet can help alleviate pain and other symptoms of inflammation, while others tout pills or supplements do this.
Dr Merrifield warns that these types of promotions "should be avoided like the plague" and that anyone selling "anti-inflammatory pills or supplements… do not understand the science and are therefore not qualified to create a supplement".
"Just because something is easy and cheap to buy, and because it calls itself a supplement, doesn't mean it's safe," she adds. "It's possible to get really sick due to taking the wrong supplements and you can overdose on them. At best they are a waste of money and at worst they can actually harm your health.
"If you're genuinely concerned that due to your diet you have a vitamin or mineral deficiency, it's a good idea to do a blood test to check how deficient you are as that can guide how much replacement you take."
Beauty trends can often involve some bizarre practices, such as "slugging" and the "morning shed" which are recent trends with thousands of people taking part in TikTok videos.
"Slugging" refers to the practice of applying a thick layer of an occlusive ointment, which is a type of skincare ingredient that creates a protective barrier on the skin's surface to prevent moisture loss.
The trend saw people taking large amounts of product, such as Vaseline, and slathering it on their face, claiming that doing so prevents skin dehydration.
However, Vittanuova warns that slugging can "trap bacteria in your skin and lead to breakouts". The rare times it can be effective is if you have very dry skin, she adds.
The "morning shed" trend calls for a number of products and tools to be layered onto one's face before bedtime, something that can add up financially very quickly.
Most routines involve layering on various sheet masks for skin hydration, pimple patches, mouth tape for sleeping, chin straps that allegedly reduce the appearance of a double chin and define the jawline, and heatless curlers to style hair while you sleep.
But Vittanuova says: "Layering all of those things can disrupt the skin barrier. Also, imagine how hard it would be to sleep! A simple, consistent routine is best for your skin health long-term."
Read more about health and wellness:
The 5 easiest ways to reduce inflammation in your body, according to doctors (Women's Health, 6-min read)
The health benefits of Tiktok's latest #silentwalking wellness trend (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)
Apple Cider Vinegar: how social media gave rise to fraudulent wellness influencers like Belle Gibson (The Conversation, 5-min read)