National Fitness Day 2025: Almost a Fifth of Brits Regret Trying Wellness Trends They’ve Seen Online
Wellness and fitness may be more popular than ever, but not every trend delivers what it promises.
According to new research by Confused.com, 1 in 5 Brits (18%) regret trying a viral wellness trend they’ve seen online. And with hashtags like #fitness (55.8m videos) and #weightloss (12.7m videos) dominating TikTok, it’s easy to see how quickly new fads can spread.
The rise (and regret) of viral fitness trends
Nearly a quarter (24%) of Brits admit to following online wellness advice at least once a month. While some report positive changes, many discover the advice lacks credibility. In fact, studies show that 55% of TikTok nutrition posts are not evidence-based, meaning much of what goes viral online isn’t rooted in science.
The consequences aren’t just physical — they’re financial. Almost a quarter (23%) of Brits admit to spending over £50 on wellness products or activities, with 1 in 10 spending more than £100 on trends they later regretted.
Expert advice: focus on sustainability
Tom Vaughan, life insurance expert at Confused.com, explains:
“The rise of wellness trends on social media highlights how consumers are influenced by viral content. While some may experience short-term benefits, our research shows many are spending considerable amounts on trends that ultimately fail to deliver lasting improvements.
This underlines the importance of approaching online health advice with scepticism. Instead, it’s worth focusing on consistent, sustainable lifestyle habits that genuinely support long-term health.”
National Fitness Day: a time to reflect
As National Fitness Day 2025 grows in popularity, the findings highlight a wider issue: while social media is an accessible entry point for fitness, the best results still come from tried-and-true habits like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and proper rest.
For anyone looking to improve their wellbeing this autumn, experts recommend leaning on credible sources, avoiding expensive gimmicks, and investing in long-term healthy routines rather than fleeting fads.
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