The latest TikTok health trends have taken the internet by storm and prompted thousands of users to give them a try. But an expert has released a warning that taking part in these fads may end up landing you in hospital.
Online football ticket website livefootballtickets.com partnered with Fitness Coach Donna Callander, to provide her expertise on a number of viral fitness trends.
Donna warned that TikTokers should be aware that influencers are there to influence and sell. She said: “They will show you before and after challenges for example, but you have no idea what they are doing off camera.
“There are also lots of AI social media ads for various challenges like wall Pilates which seems to be hugely popular at the moment and whilst there is nothing wrong with AI you need to be aware that the results the advert is showing is not a real person, therefore, comparison can be dangerous.”
75 Hard Challenge
The 75 Hard Challenge has taken TikTok by storm, racking up more than two billion views with its promised benefits to physical and mental health through following the set rules of the challenge.
The challenge entails following a nutrition/eating plan suited to your goals, cutting out alcohol and cheat meals and completing two 45-minute workouts, drinking a gallon of water, and reading 10 pages of a book every day.
Callander said: “The positive here is that it takes around 21 days to build a habit, so in theory you could then pick up some positive habits here and it mixes health, exercise, growth and mindfulness.
“However, what is the end goal? What is the diet? How do people choose it? That is a dangerous road as people are choosing something to alter their food or their exercise regime based on social media as opposed to whether it is right for them.”
30-day Gallon Water Challenge
The aim of this ‘health trend’ is to drink a gallon (4.5 litres) of water every day for 30 days. Many claim the benefits are less bloating, glowing skin and increased energy levels but the safety of this amount of water consumption is worth considering.
Callander stated: “It’s important to drink water as part of a healthy diet but avoid fads and challenges unless you have consulted your doctor because suddenly adding too much of anything to your body without balancing things out can have consequences.
“Whilst dehydration is usually a more common issue, hyperhydration or overhydration can equally cause issues such as a cloudy thinking, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness, spasms or cramps and headaches.”
Dry-scooping pre-workout powder
This has quickly become a trend with people believing it can help the powder absorb more quickly into their system, offering even greater enhancements to their workout performance. However, the risks can include choking and difficulty breathing, as well as more severe outcomes such as abnormally elevated heart rate due to an excessive intake of caffeine.
And Callander said there are “no real benefits to dry scooping”. She commented: “It is something that is for likes or follows on TikTok as opposed to something that general people should be trying.”
Fasting Challenges
Most fasting challenges centre around intermittent fasting, which many people claim has numerous benefits to health. Despite these claims, it is important to be aware of the risks involved in any fasting challenge as any form of fasting deprives the body of a certain amount of nutrients for a period of time, meaning it is essential to consult a doctor or nutritionist prior to taking part in this.
Callander advised: “There are lots of people who swear by intermittent fasting as part of a healthy lifestyle, however following a 28 day challenge like many people are doing on TikTok means, again, they are being influenced by the people doing it as opposed to because a doctor or nutritionist has recommended it for them. One size does not fit all.”
Apple cider vinegar trend
The trend suggests apple cider vinegar as a means of weight loss, fat reduction, and reducing appetite. However, numerous reports have stated that it is not in fact helpful for weight loss and instead comes with cautions as it is highly acidic, which may trigger irritation or damage to your throat if you drink it often or in large amounts.
Callander commented: “There are very few studies that I’m aware of that actually show a link between apple cider vinegar and weight loss. It’s ’meant’ to reduce appetite because it creates a fuller feeling due to Acetic acid being a short-chain fatty acid that dissolves into acetate and hydrogen in your body. “There has to be a certain percentage that is in the apple cider vinegar in the first place to create that fullness feeling and the chances of this are slim.”
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