Experts Predict TikTok Health & Fitness Trends for 2024

In recent years, TikTok has emerged within the health and wellness landscape, reshaping the way individuals approach their health and fitness goals. From habit-stacking and sleep, to the vitamin C revolution, Superdrug has curated a list of anticipated health and fitness trends that will be incorporated into many New Year’s resolutions. 

Dr Babak Ashrafi, a general practitioner from Superdrug Online Doctor, and Superdrug’s Pharmacy Superintendent, Niamh McMillan have shared their expert opinions and advice on the 2024 movements.

Well-rounded diets

Individuals are starting to shift away from restrictive diets such as keto and intermittent fasting, giving rise to a more sustainable and holistic approach – the Mediterranean diet. This flexible diet emphasises whole foods, lean proteins and heart-healthy fats. The hashtag #mediterraneandiet has over 200 million views on TikTok, with users providing a variety of recipes, mindful eating practices and a celebration of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Dr Babak Ashrafi, GP at Superdrug’s Online Doctor, states “We observe a shift towards this becoming a lifestyle choice, reflecting a commitment to long-term well-being rather than a short term fix. Embracing more flexible and sustainable eating plans that promote overall health and well-being is a positive evolution.”

Micro-naps

Acknowledging the pivotal role of quality sleep in overall well-being, TikTok content creators are prioritising their rest and exploring alternative approaches to improve their sleep routines in 2024. A key element of this trend is the incorporation of micro-naps into daily routines. Micro-napping, promotes intentional naps strategically inserted into the day to boost energy, productivity and cognitive function. TikTok creators are sharing their experiences and tips on incorporating micro-naps into busy schedules, emphasising the importance of quality over quantity in sleep. 

Superdrug’s Pharmacy Superintendent, Niamh McMillan, comments, “Sleep is the cornerstone of good health, impacting not only physical well-being but also mental and emotional well-being. Establishing a consistent sleep routine can significantly enhance the quality and duration of sleep. It is important to note that while micro-naps can be beneficial, they should ideally be limited to 10-20 minutes to avoid entering deep sleep phases. Whether you’re embracing the trend of micro-naps or taking care of your nightly sleep, any focus on sleep is a positive step towards wellbeing. Superdrug has a range of products to assist with sleep and wellness, so please head in to a Superdrug store to speak with a pharmacist about your options.”

Habit-Stacking

In the area of New Year’s resolutions, a refreshing trend that is gaining traction on TikTok is ‘habit-stacking’. This trend moves away from the traditional, often overwhelming resolutions that usually result in burn-out. Instead, habit-stacking involves setting smaller, bite sized health goals that individuals can seamlessly integrate into their daily routines. 

With over 85 million views on TikTok, this trend is expected to take off in 2024, with influencers and users sharing their experiences. Dr Babak Ashrafi comments “Habit-stacking is a promising approach to fostering long-term health and wellness. It allows for the incorporation of manageable health goals into daily routines, promoting consistency and making positive change more achievable.”

Hero Ingredients in Prioritising Gut Health

Prioritising gut health continues to gain momentum, as we enter 2024, due to increasing amounts of research linking it to a variety of health benefits. Next year, there will be an anticipated surge in awareness surrounding ‘hero ingredients’ renowned for fostering a healthy gut microbiome. Creators on TikTok are predicted to showcase an array of plant-based foods that promote gut-friendly bacteria. Many of the foods we already have in our kitchen are hero ingredients that contribute to a gut-healthy diet, such as bananas, green vegetables, ginger, berries and nuts, which all support digestion. These ingredients contain natural prebiotics and can act as antioxidants in the body.

Niamh McMillan comments “As a healthcare professional, I am encouraged by the continued emphasis on gut health as a prominent trend for 2024. The consumption of fermented foods and probiotics gained substantial traction in 2023 and this is expected to persist as individuals prioritise digestive wellness.” 

Vitamin C

Another anticipated health trend taking centre stage on TikTok is the widespread focus on vitamin C intake. The vitamin C hashtag currently has over six billion views on the platform. Whether it comes in the form of supplements, serums or food choices, there is a collective aspiration to include the vitamin in daily routines. 

Dr Babak Ashrafi advocates for the inclusion of vitamin C in daily routines when necessary for its multifaceted health benefits, stating “Vitamin C plays a pivotal role in supporting the immune system and skin health. Additionally, it functions as a powerful antioxidant. With its broad spectrum of positive effects on overall health, it stands as a fundamental component of any daily practice. Ideally this should be ingested as part of a healthy diet, but supplements can be taken when your diet is not balanced enough.”

Superdrug Online Doctor provides doctor care whenever you need it, anywhere in the UK. For more information please visit: https://onlinedoctor.superdrug.com/ or head to a Superdrug store to speak with a pharmacist about your health care needs.