We Asked An Expert For Their POV On Viral Health Trends And Here’s What They Shared

Navigating the uncharted territory of health can be daunting, so we asked an expert to sound off with their POV on the latest wellness trends. See if GNC Vitapak® Programs are a fit for you!

The journey to wellness isn't a single path. With the rise of viral health trends, it can be hard to sift through the noise of social media to find what's best for you.

So we talked to Rachel Jones, MS, RDN, Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation and Science Officer at GNC, to learn more about making choices that are right for you when it comes to your health. 

What's your background in the realm of health and nutrition?

Rachel Jones: I joined GNC a few years after I transitioned from Division 1 college athletics to building a career grounded in nutrition.

Grounding my experience in product innovation, I started as a project manager in the Innovation, Research and Development team managing a $1M clinical research budget. I poured over research, trials, and innovations that could help to positively impact our business. I spent more than a decade in that group and worked on the creation of more than 2,000+ GNC brand products. 

Then I moved into GNC’s International team, GNC’s Brand team, and now lead our Product Development and Scientific Teams as Senior Vice President, Chief Product Innovation and Science Officer. We are responsible for delivering high-quality products that produce results in service to GNC's commitment to helping consumers Live Well.

What does health and wellness mean to you?

Rachel Jones: If I’m helping people Live Well through the power of nutrition, I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do. It’s my “why”. And as a registered dietitian, helping people to understand the positive impact that selecting the right science-backed products, building, and maintaining a consistent routine can have on their goals is rewarding.

Together with my team of nutritionists, dietitians, clinicians, researchers, and formulators we seek research, clinical trials, and test products that allow us to broaden the definition of health and wellness to deliver more holistic results. 

Why do you think people turn to viral health trends in their wellness journey?

Rachel Jones: We live in a rapidly changing environment, and the science guiding the health and wellness industry is evolving. And with so much conflicting information about health and wellness available online, it can be difficult for people to know what is truly effective and safe.

While it can be tempting to rely on viral health trends because of their popularity and appearance of being tested and safe due to their endorsement by larger groups of people, challenging the scientific evidence is critically important. These trends are typically meant to serve as quick fixes versus sustainable, lifestyle changes.

Is there a common theme you see with the rise of social media health recommendations?

Rachel Jones: One common theme with the rise of social media health recommendations is the democratization of information. With social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, anyone can share recommendations, opinions, and experiences with a large audience. While we certainly listen to consumers and trends to help influence up-and-coming brands and products, we also recognize the importance of research-informed educational content to make sure people have access to the right inputs.

Remember that even well-intentioned recommendations from peers and other sources, such as social media, can have downsides. Not all social media recommendations are evidence-based or accurate, and may not be from credentialed individuals with the education and license for providing expert science-based guidance. Therefore misinformation can quickly spread through these platforms. 

What are some of the more popular health trends you’ve seen popping up on the internet?

Rachel Jones: One of the popular health trends popping up on the internet is #WhatIEatinADay. In these often viral videos, TikTok creators share what they eat in a 24-hour period. While it may be interesting to see what others eat in a day, focusing too much on what others do can be misleading to the viewer because we know that nutrition is HIGHLY personal.

Just because your favorite celeb eats a particular diet does not mean that’s the right diet for you. Individual nutrition needs vary based on lifestyle, height, weight, activity level, genetics, and much more. I encourage anyone interested in boosting their health through their diet to remember that what works for one person may not work for them. Engage with a trusted health expert to determine your individual path to optimized nutrition.

What should someone ask themselves when considering trying out a health trend?

Rachel Jones: Before making any major changes always consult credentialed experts first. Talk to your healthcare provider or a credentialed dietitian/nutritionist.

Talk through key inputs like:

Is there evidence to support the trend’s effectiveness and safety? While trends may not harm you, if you’re looking for real solutions, you might be disappointed when they don’t deliver on their promises.

How will this help me to achieve my goals? Creating a foundation for health and building a routine based on scientific evidence can help achieve goals and find sustainable, life-term changes.

If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is. It’s sad, but true. Consult educational resources like the GNC Learning Center, which features content written by registered dietitians and scientists on health topics providing the latest science-based evidence.

Do you have methods or recommendations for people interested in their overall health and nutrition?

Rachel Jones: There are some considerations we look at when investing in your overall well-being:

Work with the experts. Look for accredited leaders to help inform your research, routine-building, and product selection. 

Lean into trusted products. We develop and sell well-researched, evidence-based innovative products that help to fuel our consumers’ goals. Support your nutritional, physical, and mental health by adding science-backed ingredients to a daily routine.

Start small. Don’t try to change everything at once. Instead, start with manageable steps you can commit to and incorporate into your daily routine. 

Don’t be afraid to change things up. There are a wide variety of lifestyle changes and supplemental solutions, so don’t be afraid to experiment. There are many different types of wellness activities, from yoga and meditation to running and weightlifting. Try and see what works best for you. You might be surprised by what you enjoy. Consistency is key when it comes to wellness.

Live Well and learn more about GNC Vitapak® Programs that might suit your lifestyle and wellness goals.

Imagery from Getty.