Top 7 Wellness Scams To Avoid This Year
Don't fall for the calorie burning belt. You need incremental, easy solutions (not resolutions) for sustainable change.
Every January, brands and influencers flood your feeds with promises of transformation: lose weight, get fit, be productive, and completely overhaul your life. As a founder in the wellness space, I understand the irony of calling out what I feel are wellness scams, but at Love Wellness, we’ve always done things differently. We’ve always been honest about what our brand stands for, how our products work, why they’re different, and the best-in-class standards we hold ourselves to.
At work we feel how everyone feels right now when it comes to resolutions—burnt out by the pressure to make dramatic changes, and suspicious of big brands making big promises in exchange for your big money. That’s why we’re not asking you to make resolutions this year. Instead, we encourage you to take care of your health in small, sustainable ways every day (like, taking a clinically-studied daily multivitamin). We’re focused on supporting our community with simple (and sometimes humble) solutions, not resolutions.
Since 2016, Love Wellness has been creating proven, affordable, and award-winning solutions that meet you where you are. Real change doesn’t come from overpriced fads or flashy promises (like what you’ll read about below). It comes from thoughtful, incremental habits that last. Again, we’re about solutions, not resolutions.
So yes, I do believe it’s worth calling out the scams and quick fixes that continue to flood the market, preying on your desire for transformation.
SO, here we go with what I believe are the top 7 New Year’s resolution scams to avoid this year—and thoughtful, low-cost alternatives that actually work.
1. Detox and Cleanse Products
The Scam: Detox teas (remember ballerina tea) and juicing promise to flush toxins from your body, kickstart weight loss, and reset your system. They’re marketed as a necessary first step in your wellness journey.
Why It’s Bad: Your liver, kidneys, and digestive system already do all the detoxing your body needs. Many of these products are packed with laxatives or herbs with similar effect, leading to dehydration, nutrient depletion, and potential harm to your gut. They’re also wildly overpriced for what essentially amounts to glorified herbal tea or sugary juice.
The Solution: Support your body’s natural detox system by staying hydrated, eating fiber-rich foods or supporting with fiber supplements, and getting enough sleep. Brew your own herbal teas or make a DIY green smoothie for a fraction of the cost.
2. Miracle Weight Loss Solutions
The Scam: Extreme diet pills with crazy claims, fat-burning creams, and waist trainers promise quick and effortless weight loss. These products often boast “clinically proven” ingredients or secret formulas.
Why It’s Bad: These solutions are rarely backed by credible science and can have harmful side effects, from heart issues to digestive problems. Waist trainers, for example, can compress your organs and lead to long-term damage. They’re also designed to keep you chasing an unrealistic standard.
The Solution: Prioritize sustainable lifestyle changes like eating nutrient-dense meals and incorporating enjoyable movement into your routine. If you need serious weight management help, see a doctor for a check-up in the New Year for help with prescription medication that can possible help you. Use free fitness apps or YouTube channels to guide you without spending a dime.
3. Subscription Fitness Programs
The Scam: “Free trials” of fitness apps or virtual programs hook you in, but they’re often riddled with hidden fees or nearly impossible to cancel. Some lock you into long-term contracts before you’ve even committed.
Why It’s Bad: These programs prey on your initial motivation, then drain your wallet as your enthusiasm wanes. You could end up paying hundreds for something you’ll rarely use.
The Solution: Start with free resources. Apps like Nike Training Club or channels like Yoga with Adriene offer high-quality workouts at no cost. If you want to invest later, pick a program with clear terms and no hidden fees.
4. Expensive Wellness Gadgets
The Scam: Wellness gadgets like calorie-burning belts, vibration plates, and “high-tech” fitness trackers promise to revolutionize your health and fitness.
Why It’s Bad: Most of these products are gimmicks with little evidence to support their claims. They’re marketed as shortcuts but often end up gathering dust after the novelty wears off.
The Solution: Stick with tried-and-true tools. A jump rope, set of resistance bands, or a pair of running shoes are effective, affordable, and versatile.
5. Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) Wellness Products
The Scam: MLM companies push protein powders or beauty products under the guise of “life-changing” health benefits. They encourage you to become a “distributor” to earn money while using their overpriced products. We all watched that leggings documentary a year or two ago. Don't fall prey to MLMs.
Why It’s Bad: These products are often no better than off-the-shelf alternatives but come with inflated prices to support the MLM structure. Most people involved in MLMs lose money rather than make it.
The Solution: Buy directly from reputable brands that don’t require a “sign-up fee” or sales pitch. Look for third-party tested supplements if needed.
6. Get-Rich-Quick Financial Schemes
The Scam: “Financial freedom” gurus and apps promise wealth through day trading, crypto, or real estate investments with minimal effort. They often charge exorbitant fees for courses or tools.
Why It’s Bad: These schemes oversimplify complex financial strategies and can lead to significant losses. Many “gurus” profit off your desperation rather than teaching valuable skills.
The Solution: Build a simple budget using free tools like Mint or YNAB’s free trial. Start investing with low-cost index funds through reputable platforms like Vanguard or Fidelity.
7. Expensive “Transformation” Challenges
The Scam: Programs with high entry fees promise dramatic results, whether in fitness, mindset, or career development. They’re marketed with flashy before-and-after photos and emotional testimonials.
Why It’s Bad: These challenges often over-promise and under-deliver. They rely on unsustainable approaches that leave you burned out and back at square one.
The Solution: Join free or affordable community challenges. Many local gyms, online groups, or apps offer accountability and structure without the hefty price tag.