As we enter a new year, the wellness industry is buzzing with the latest trends promising to transform our health and wellbeing. But which of these fads are actually worth your time and money? Our team at Burnished Insights has taken a critical look at the data to separate the hits from the hype.
A Surprising Comeback for Full-Fat Dairy
For decades, public health advice has demonized high-fat dairy products like whole milk, cheese, and yogurt. However, a growing body of scientific evidence is challenging this stance. Benoit LaMarche, a leading Canadian food scientist, recently reviewed the data and concluded that full-fat, low-fat, and fat-free dairy products have largely the same effects on heart health. In fact, some studies have even found benefits to higher-fat dairy, like one that showed whole milk outperforming skim milk in raising "good" HDL cholesterol.
What this really means is that the decades-long push to cut fat from our diets may have been misguided. As Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has promised, it may be time to end the "attack on whole milk, cheese and yogurt." This trend is also gaining traction on social media, with the #CottageCheeseComeback hashtag taking TikTok by storm.
The Jury's Still Out on Weighted Vests
One wellness fad that's been making the rounds is strapping on a weighted vest during your daily walks. Proponents claim this "marries strengthening, weight loss, and cardio" for an efficient full-body workout. But research from the National Institutes of Health shows mixed results. While the extra weight can boost calorie burn, it also increases the stress on your joints, potentially leading to injury over time.
The bottom line is that weighted vests may provide some benefits, but they also come with risks. If you do try this trend, be sure to start light, listen to your body, and consult a fitness professional to ensure you're doing it safely. As with any new workout routine, it's crucial to prioritize proper form and gradual progression to avoid harm.
As we navigate the ever-changing wellness landscape, it's important to approach new trends with a critical eye. While some fads like the return to full-fat dairy are backed by solid science, others like weighted vests remain unproven. By separating fact from fiction, we can make informed choices to improve our health and wellbeing in the new year. For more analysis on the wellness trends reshaping 2026, be sure to check out our recent coverage.