Dear Influencers, Stop Pretending Weight Loss is Easy

For anyone looking to lose weight, there is no shortage of information on the internet. If you open any social media app, there is a 99% chance you will scroll past a "best exercise to lose weight" or "life changing flat tummy tea" in your first 24 seconds. So, how is it possible that there is so much free, available information, but weight loss still feels so unattainable to so many people.

The answer is; excessive information. Excessive misinformation. Excessive correct information. You can access thousands of meal plans, training programs and supplements within seconds. However, I can confidently say that it is close to impossible to easily and sustainably lose weight using information from a random instagram model or generalized information on google.

But she's skinny and has abs? She clearly knows what she's talking about, no?

I think the funniest source to get weight loss tips from is instagram influencers. A large percentage of them are genetically gifted. I reiterate, most, not all, are genetically gifted. You're sourcing important and potentially life changing information from someone who has been the same weight since they were 16 and has no real credible education on the human body and its physiology, besides info from their influencer bestie. She's monetizing from selling training and diet plans to women who just want to look like her. Good business woman? Sure. Credible source to help you lose weight? Meh.

Now, I'm not saying you shouldn't follow people who motivate you and maybe share general information to help you live a healthier life. There is nothing wrong with this. However, it gets sticky when people pour their money and energy into training and diet plans that are based on someone who never had to do much to change their body composition.

Okay, but this influencer is a credible doctor, should I spend the $99 on their program?

The flip side of the coin is that there ARE credible dieticians and educated trainers online. There is correct and helpful information out there. How do we sift through the thousands of seemingly credible sources? Looking for their education is a start. But it's not even just about the person, it's about their product. Trying to educate yourself with free, general information is one thing. But if you're looking to spend hard earned money, pay attention. Even if they're a world class doctor, pay attention to the product they are trying to sell you. The number one thing to look for is individualization. Have they discussed your specific goals, what your daily life looks like, and the state of your diet? Or are they selling you the same plan they sold to 4,000 other people.

The reality is, if the same diet and exercise routine worked for everyone, no one would be employed in the health industry. Weight loss is hard. It's not only the physical things you are doing, but it's also about all the factors that make up your life. And a reputable trainer knows this. In fact, they know the danger of prescribing plans that seem tailored to an individual, but are not.

What about actual research from scholarly sources?

Like any other subject in the world, research can be done. You can educate yourself, collect information that feels relevant to you. Thanks to the internet, you can google very specific questions that cater to you and your health situation. The internet can help. It can also help you get an idea of they type of support you need for your journey. The idea though, is to not take the information personally. The information might be correct, and it may be true for some people. It does not mean it is going to be true for you. This brings us back to individualization. An article is telling you to exercise x amount of times a week. You exercise an x amount of times per week for 6 months, and followed their exercise guideline. Nothing happens. You're getting discouraged, and start thinking maybe weight loss just isn't meant for you. In reality, you needed light activity and support for stress management.

Health is trial and error.

You can see how one shoe does not fit all when it comes to health and weight loss. You may be an anomaly and try a diet you find online, and it changes the rest of your life. Great. I'm not saying this never happens. But someone who works in the fitness industry, the heartbreak that comes with yo-yo dieting and exercise is so very common. The first step in your weight loss journey is to understand that health, including healthy weight loss, is trial and error. Even working with a professional, there is no one size fits all. You can for sure spend hundred of dollars trying every weight loss program online, but it may be more beneficial and cost effective for you to work closely with someone who can help you look at your life holistically, and see where reasonable and sustainable changes can be made.

Quality knowledge is everything.

At the end of the day, social media is apart of society. Whether you follow influencers or not you are still going to be exposed to all sorts of health information, helpful or not. Being confident in your personal health is going to give you the ability to learn what information and tips are helpful for you and your health journey, and what is not. Social media is not all misinformation, and when used properly, it can be an amazing asset. The important thing is you invest in your health with appropriate sources and learn your body. The more you explore yourself with the help of doctors, dieticians, trainers and other health care professionals, the more comfortable you get with understanding that your fav influencers program might not be for you, and that is okay. Or it might be perfect for you, and that is also okay. Weight loss is not easy, and it is a holistic event that needs to take place. So dear influencers, stop pretending sustainable weight loss is easy.