Beyond the Filter

The Dark Side of Fitness Influencers

In today’s age of social media, the influence of fitness influencers has skyrocketed. Every second reel is about fitness, fitness is the best-selling product. curated posts and motivational captions flood our feed encouraging us to live a healthier life.

“DO you know “

&

“STOP EATING or DoingTHIS”

these are the two most promising punch lines for most fitness influencers.
However, beyond this glamorised picture-perfect body & motivational quote, there lies a darker side to the world of fitness.

Commercialization of Wellness:
many fitness influencers are either selling their product, or services or collaborating with brands to promote their products. there is a blurry line between genuine recommendations and paid endorsements. commercialization of wellness can mislead their followers into believing that certain products or services are essential for achieving the fitness goal. the monetary incentives behind the sales may compromise the integrity of the health and fitness advice shared.

The illusion of Authenticity:
while many fitness influencers claim to be authentic and transparent, which is rather rare in most cases. many influencers follow practices which are unhealthy and go to extreme measures just to have the perfect body to flaunt on social media and sell their product. many follow extreme measures like a low-calorie diet, training twice a day, and using substances to faster muscle growth or fat loss not to mention many of them go through some mental health issues. This contrast life between the public presentation of health and fitness to the reality of actually what is going on behind the scenes, disheartening for those who look up to these influencers as role models.

The rise of Unrealistic expectations: The most concerning aspect of fitness influencers is how they have commercialised health. low body fat % is sold as a sign of good health. Most fitness influencers come on camera with a super low body fat % & minimum clothing to look more appealing and convincing when they preach fitness. many influencers promote unattainable physique goals leaving their followers feeling inadequate and unsatisfied with their bodies, resulting in low self-esteem, negative body image and mental health issues. many followers give up the healthy lifestyle thinking they can’t do it.

Transformation Coach:
I bet you have seen 1000 of these, 4-8 weeks transformation. this is a “USP” for many influencers. This is how the market is created, people get excited, and motivated and fall for this trap, only after joining the program do they realise, they have been put on intermittent fasting and 800 kcal a day which is not sustainable. It is humanly not possible to lose fat so fast. unless you go on a super deficit kcal diet. There is also a set of influencers who attain the transformation and use themself to promote the page. Common phrases used in this version of influencers are “Let me show you how i transformed my physique” or “I used this and lost all the fat”. these are common red flag areas.

It’s essential to approach the world of fitness influencers with a critical eye and a focus on overall well-being. While there are many genuine and knowledgeable individuals in social media fitness, it’s important to remember that each person’s journey to health and wellness is unique. Seeking guidance from qualified professionals and prioritizing holistic health over aesthetics can help navigate the often misleading landscape of fitness influencer culture. In conclusion, while fitness influencers can provide inspiration and motivation, it’s crucial to remain mindful of the potential pitfalls that come with their content. By promoting a more realistic and balanced approach to health and wellness, we can collectively steer the conversation towards a more positive and inclusive direction. Let’s strive for a world where authenticity and well-being take precedence over unattainable ideals and empty promises.