Why the Health and Wellness Industry Is a Mess (And How to Navigate It)

If you've ever found yourself drowning in saved Instagram posts, open browser tabs, and conflicting advice about what you should be eating—you're not alone.

The health and wellness industry is chaos right now; it's no wonder that you feel overwhelmed.

Between contradictory studies, influencers selling supplements they don't understand, and practitioners who can't agree on basic principles, it's nearly impossible to know who or what to trust.

But why is it this way? And more importantly, how do you cut through the noise?

The Research Problem

We're told to "follow the science" but science isn't as straightforward as it sounds.

Most studies are designed to answer very specific questions, under very specific conditions, using very specific groups of people. A study on intermittent fasting in healthy 25-year-old men tells you absolutely nothing about whether it's right for a 38-year-old woman with PCOS and a high-stress job.

And yet, headlines act like every new study is a universal truth.

Then there's funding. Research is expensive, and someone has to pay for it. When that someone is a company with a financial interest in the outcome—whether it's a pharmaceutical company, a supplement brand, or a food manufacturer—there's potential for bias. Not always. But often enough that it matters.

This doesn't mean all research is flawed. It just means you need to ask: Who funded this? What were they trying to prove? And does this actually apply to me?

Your Body Isn't a Laboratory

What makes health so frustratingly complex is that fact we're all different.

Two people can eat the exact same diet and have completely opposite results. One feels energised, loses weight, and sleeps better. The other feels exhausted, gains weight, and can't focus.

Why? Because your genetics, your gut microbiome, your stress levels, your sleep quality, your hormone balance, your age, your medical history, all influence how your body responds.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either oversimplifying or selling something.

Science Changes

One week, eggs are bad for you. The next week, they're a superfood. Then someone publishes a study saying it depends on your cholesterol levels. Cue the confusion.

This isn't because science is broken, it's because science is evolving. What we know today will be refined, challenged, or expanded tomorrow. That's how it's supposed to work.

The problem is that we expect certainty. We want someone to just tell us what to do. But health doesn't work that way. It’s a moving target.

The key is learning to tolerate nuance and to focus on what's actually working for your body in this moment in time, not what a headline tells you should work.

Experts Don't Agree Either

Where it gets even messier is when health professionals don't agree with each other.

Dietitian’s, nutritionists, functional medicine practitioners, naturopaths, doctors—they all have different training, different philosophies, and different approaches. Some swear by plant-based diets. Others emphasise animal protein. Some focus on calories. Others focus on hormones.

And they can all present compelling arguments backed by research.

So who's right?

Honestly? It depends. And if you’re looking to put their tips into action it depends even more on you. On your health history. On your goals. On what your body actually needs.

The challenge is finding someone who doesn't just push their preferred approach, but who listens to you, looks at your specific situation, and helps you figure out what makes sense for your body in the safest and most effective way.

Social Media Made Everything Worse

Social media has turned health and wellness into a circus.

Trends spread faster than evidence. Detox teas, "hormone-balancing" supplements, extreme fasting protocols, miracle morning routines—they all go viral not because they work, but because they're marketed well.

And the people promoting them often aren't qualified. They're influencers with good lighting and persuasive captions.

This doesn't mean all trends are useless, but it does mean you need to be skeptical. Ask yourself:

• Who's promoting this, and why?

• What's the evidence? (And no, testimonials or personal experience alone don't count.)

• Does this align with what I actually need, or am I just caught up in the hype because I really want the outcome?

So What Can You Do?

The health and wellness industry is messy, and that's not changing anytime soon. But you don't have to feel powerless in it.

Here's what actually helps:

1. Pay attention to your body

Your body gives you feedback constantly. Are you energised or exhausted? Is your digestion comfortable or a disaster? Are your cycles regular or all over the place? This is data. Use it.

2. Find professionals who actually listen

Look for practitioners who ask questions, who consider your full health picture, and who adjust their approach based on how you respond. Run from anyone who insists there's only one right way to do things.

3. Stop chasing trends

Just because something worked for someone on Instagram doesn't mean it's right for you. Focus on established principles—blood sugar balance, adequate protein, stress management, sleep—not the latest viral hack. And give it time to work.

4. Let go of perfection

Health isn't about doing everything perfectly but making sustainable choices that support your wellbeing over time. What works at 25 won't necessarily work at 40. Your needs will change. That's normal.

5. Ask questions

If something doesn't make sense, dig deeper. If a claim sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don't be afraid to challenge what you're told—even by professionals.

6. Prioritise safety over trends

It's fine to be curious. But before you try something new—especially supplements, restrictive diets, or intense protocols—ask yourself: Does the potential benefit outweigh the risk? When in doubt, consult someone qualified.

The health and wellness industry is far from perfect. It's chaotic, contradictory, and often more interested in profit than in helping you feel better.

The most important thing you can do is learn to trust yourself. Pay attention to your body. Find practitioners who respect your individuality. And stop expecting a one-size-fits-all answer, because it doesn't exist.

Your health is personal. The sooner you accept that, the easier it becomes to focus on what actually matters—to you.

If you feel ready to for personalised support, consider booking a free discovery call to talk through your current situation and how I can help.

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