This year, weight loss wasn’t just a goal—it became a movement, with trends taking social media and wellness spaces by storm. From TikTok’s viral protein-packed recipes to the rise of high-tech wearables that track every calorie burnt, 2024 was all about innovation and experimentation.
In the midst of all of the hype, what was the thing that truly worked for you? and what was just another passing craze? Let’s dive into the trends that had everyone buzzing—and burning calories this year.
Chia seeds
When interest users got ahold of the information that chia seeds have been proven to be little fat burners, almost everyone with ‘weight loss’ on their bucket list hopped into the trend to test its effectiveness of this for themselves. Many posted their journeys and experiments with the seeds on social media. According to HealthShots, chia seeds are rich in fibre, forming a gel-like substance in the digestive tract that slows down digestion, reducing calorie intake. They are believed to boost metabolism and improve gut health by nourishing beneficial bacteria, leading to better digestion, nutrient absorption, and weight management. “A healthy gut microbiome is linked to better digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall weight management.”
Ozempic
We can all agree that the Ozempic trend was the biggest one yet, with many controversies surrounding it and people taking to social media platforms to warn others that there might be counterfeits of the treatment. Earlier this year, The Conversation publication wrote an article stating that people should not use the Ozempic injection for weight loss as it is intended for diabetic people. While Ozempic may offer a solution for some, healthcare professionals stress that any weight-loss treatment should be approached with careful consideration of the risks and in consultation with a medical professional.
Intermittent fasting
This technique for me falls on the ‘safest’ hacks for weight loss, as it requires you to ingest less than adding things into your body. The Food Institute states that as much as intermittent fasting is generally considered safe, restricting eating to less than eight hours daily can lead to nutritional deficiency and calorie reduction.
Liposuction & Fat freezing
These two trends surfaced and took over the South African internet by storm, with some of the country’s most loved celebrities, such as reality TV star, LaConco coming forward with having undergone one of these processes and showcasing stellar results. A 2018 study by Healthline found a 21.6 per cent decrease in fat layer thickness 30 days after CoolSculpting treatment. it is stated that liposuction results typically appear within 1 to 3 months.
Also see: Why you should not use sugar substitutes for weight loss
