Self-improvement and “wellness” is everywhere right now; in our social media feeds, our conversations, our advertising. New health trends appear constantly, often promoted by celebrities or influencers, and it’s not always easy to tell the difference between genuine advice, a paid promotion, and a passing fad. This is particularly relevant on platforms such as TikTok, where researchers found that 63% of nutrition-related posts promoted stereotypical attitudes around bodies and weight, while 90% did not discuss the potential risks or benefits of the advice or products being shared. This can impact the way we think about our own bodies and habits and may lead to negative self-image and self-talk. As well as this, feeling guilty and confused about “how to eat” can lead to restrictive eating habits which may evolve into eating disorders.
There are some important findings worth being aware of in regards to the way fitness apps, wearable technology and social media can influence our relationship with food, exercise and body image. One study found that 73% of people using a specific calorie and fitness tracking app believed it had contributed to the development of their eating disorder. Research has also found that 70% of women using wearable fitness devices engaged in at least one compensatory behaviour to meet their daily step goal. These findings don’t mean that fitness apps, wearables or social media are inherently harmful, but they are worth keeping in mind when considering how certain tools and content may be influencing our behaviours and mindset.
What does positive wellness look like?
Wellness doesn’t mean following the latest trend or constantly working towards a “better” version of yourself. At its best, wellness is about supporting your physical and mental health in ways that feel sustainable, enjoyable and realistic for you. That might look different from person to person. The goal isn’t to do everything ‘perfectly’, rather to find habits that help you feel good and that naturally fit into your life.
Some simple ways to practise positive wellness include:
- Trusting your body: Listening to your body’s cues and responding to what you need, rather than following strict rules, the latest trend or someone else’s routine.
- Finding movement you enjoy: Choosing activities that make you feel good, energised or connected to your body, without using exercise to compensate for food intake.
- Allowing flexibility: Understanding that healthy habits don’t have to be perfect. There is room for rest, spontaneity, celebrations and days when things don’t go exactly to plan.
- Looking after your whole self: Giving your mental, emotional and social wellbeing the same attention as your physical health.
- Making space for enjoyment: Recognising that food, movement, rest and connection can all be enjoyable parts of a healthy life, rather than things that need to be earned.
Why does this matter?
In Australia, around one in ten people are expected to experience an eating disorder during their lifetime, yet only a minority of those affected go on to access professional support. The messages we encounter every day about food, bodies, weight and health can influence how people see themselves and, importantly, whether they feel comfortable acknowledging that they need help.
It is important to acknowledge the difference between ‘disordered eating’ and ‘eating disorder’ – having disordered eating doesn’t necessarily mean you will develop an eating disorder. Disordered eating can take many forms, from strict food rules and anxiety around eating to exercising excessively. These behaviours may not meet the clinical criteria for an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, but they can still have a significant impact. For many people, disordered eating can be an early warning sign that something is not right. Over 1 in 3 adolescents in Australia engage in disordered eating behaviours, such as dieting. Recognising those signs early can create an opportunity to seek support before the behaviours become more entrenched or develop into something more serious.
https://theembracehub.com/
https://nedc.com.au/
https://butterfly.org.au/
