Health and wellbeing will always be trending. But how we define what it means to live a healthy lifestyle – and how we achieve it – is often influenced by the latest fads. In our social media-driven world, it’s easy to get pulled in a dozen directions by what’s popular right now. But true, sustainable health doesn’t come from following trends. It comes from understanding what health means to you. That’s where REAL health coaching shines. A certified health and wellbeing coach doesn’t hand you a one-size-fits-all plan based on what’s trending – they serve as a trusted guide and mentor, helping you tap into your own values, strengths, goals, and needs, using tools that are backed by science and grounded in empathy. What works for one person won’t always work for another – and that’s not only okay, it’s exactly the point. REAL health coaching gives people the space and support to define their own version of health, and to pursue it with clarity, confidence, and care. Amid all the noise, coaches help individuals move toward their goals in ways that are reasonable, sustainable, and truly meaningful to them. That’s the power of REAL health coaching.
Lately, we’ve seen the world of “SkinnyTok” emerge on social media, driven by values of discipline and diligence, which some might argue are in overdrive. The SkinnyTok takeover has meant our feeds have suddenly been flooded with “what I eat in a day in a calorie deficit” clips, video diaries of “how I achieve 20,000 steps a day to meet my fat loss goals,” and many, many motivational speeches about how “there shouldn’t be any excuse for why you’re not losing weight.” The comment sections of these videos can be divisive. “SkinnyTok” creators have both die-hard fans, people that say their videos have given them a burst of motivation that’s taken them years to tap into, and cut-throat critics, who fear these creators are turning motivation into self-harm, catalyzing a hyper-fixation on food and calories that can be damaging.
It’s no coincidence that the rise of this trend mirrors the growing prevalence of GLP-1 medications and prescribed solutions for those looking to lose or manage their weight. And, importantly, many have found success and happiness through this route (and many in partnership with a health coach!), which is often amplified by social media. What’s clear is that transparency isn’t always rewarded. Some creators who’ve historically aligned themselves with the “Body Positive” movement (we won’t name names, because we don’t have to) have faced criticism for turning to medically-driven solutions and shifting their health journey.
Today’s blog is not meant to pass judgement or elect a winner or loser in the SkinnyTok debate. We’re here to arm you with the tools to sift through the social media trends of now and the future and apply your own lens to understand how to embark on a meaningful health and wellbeing journey that works for you. We’re here to remind you of the role health coaches can play in helping you make that call, keep you focused on yourself, and achieve outcomes that have a profound impact on your present and future. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Physical health and wellbeing are rooted in mental health. Remember to take care of both.
Every health goal is incredibly affected by our mental health. When it comes to weight loss or management, our mental health may dictate our self-perception, our desire to change, and our ability to remain motivated. While SkinnyTok videos might encourage some people to stick to healthy habits, they might make others feel restricted, anxious, or self-conscious.
Health coaches create space to explore those reactions. Through reflective questions and open conversation, they help you recognize how the content you consume is impacting your habits, mindset, and relationship with food, movement, and yourself. Whether it’s setting boundaries around triggering content or finding supportive inspiration, coaches help you decide what belongs in your mental feed. Because everything we consume – from the food on our plate to the content we digest – affects our mental health, which in turn affects our physical health. REAL health coaching empowers you to build healthy, intentional consumption habits that work for you.
Weight management is personal and evolving. Health coaches help us give ourselves grace to change.
Health coaches understand that when it comes to weight loss and weight management, every person’s journey is unique. Not only that, but they get that our goals and priorities might change based on where we are in our lives and with our health. Maybe there was a time when losing weight was a top priority, but now you’re more focused on managing stress, sleeping better, or rebuilding your relationship with food. Maybe you’ve gone through big life changes – a new job, parenthood, recovery from illness – and your body and mindset have shifted as a result. That’s normal. That’s human. A health coach supports you in these transitions, reminding you that changing your goals doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re listening to your body, your mind, and your life – and that’s a powerful form of progress.
Focus on your health journey, not someone else’s highlight reel.
It’s easy to get swept up in what others are doing – especially when the algorithms are working hard to show you the same types of content over and over again (whether we like it or not). But your health journey isn’t a comparison game. What works for one person may not work for you – and that’s more than okay. In fact, it’s expected. Whether you’re exploring intuitive eating, managing a medical condition, training for a marathon, or simply trying to drink more water every day, your goals should be grounded in your values, not someone else’s version of success.
A health coach can help you keep your eyes on your own path. They’re there to help you set goals that align with your life, your body, and your mental wellness – not the pace or pressure of social media. That kind of individualized support makes it easier to celebrate progress, stay motivated, and pivot with compassion when life throws you a curveball. Not only that, but the YourCoach platform also provides customizable tools coaches use with clients, so if you’re more interested in tracking protein instead of calories, our food diary can be customized to fit those goals.
Body positivity and weight loss can coexist – if the focus is on wellbeing.
There’s a common misconception that body positivity and weight loss are mutually exclusive – that you can’t love yourself and also want to change your body. But the truth is more nuanced. Body positivity, at its core, is about respect and acceptance. It’s about rejecting shame, comparison, and unrealistic standards. Wanting to feel stronger, healthier, or more confident in your body doesn’t mean you’re betraying those values – as long as your choices are rooted in self-care, not self-criticism.
That’s where the guidance of a REAL health coach can be transformative. They’ll help you unpack the why behind your goals and ensure that whatever direction you choose is one that nurtures both your physical and mental wellbeing. Whether your feed is full of SkinnyTok, fitness influencers, or intuitive eating advocates, the best approach is the one that helps you feel empowered, not diminished.
Social media will continue to influence how we understand health, fitness and body image. But the most important voice in your wellness journey is your own. You’re probably wondering why we didn’t say it’s that of your health coach. That’s because a great health coach isn’t here to speak over you — they’re here to help you hear yourself more clearly. Their role is to support your vision, not replace it. They ask the right questions, help you uncover your motivations, and walk beside you as you define what health means for you. At the end of the day, your health journey isn’t about fitting into someone else’s mold — it’s about becoming the version of yourself that feels strong, supported, and authentic. And that’s a journey worth investing in.
If you’re an organization that’s looking to learn more about investing in REAL health coaching for your clients, patients, employees or members, send us a note to team@yourcoach.health. We’d love to share with you the results of our Observation Outcomes Study!