8 Key Signs You’re Spending Too Much on Health Trends That Don’t Pay Off
Written by
Jordan Rosenfeld
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Trendy health products and services are in abundance. While some wellness investments can genuinely improve your quality of life, many offer little more than slick marketing and a hefty price tag.
If your quest to feel better is draining your bank account without real results, it may be time to rethink where your money is going.
Experts explained some key signs that you’re spending too much on your health for not enough reward.
You’re Buying the Hype
The internet abounds with snazzy-sounding new health ideas, from IV drips to infrared saunas, boutique fitness classes and monthly vitamin subscriptions, made by companies that are more than happy to take your money without guaranteeing a result.
While there’s nothing wrong with pursuing a new health trend, it’s easy to spend a lot of money even though the health product or service may have “unsubstantiated benefits to health,” according to William Bergmark, personal finance expert and finance editor at Credwise.
There is also an emerging market for specially designed meal kits and “clean” products that are very expensive to buy, Bergmark said, but these products may not even prove better than cheaper alternatives.
“While health matters a lot, I believe that some of these trends blur the line between value and vanity,” Bergmark said.
You’re Buying Based on Fear
If you find yourself “health shopping” based on fear, a sense of urgency or buzzwords such as “detox,” “anti-aging” or “miracle,” it’s likely more hype than substance, Bergmark warned.
“I always recommend taking a look at the fundamentals — is there science to back it up? Is it endorsed by physicians or primarily influencers? If it sounds too good to be true or guarantees overnight results, it likely is.”
It’s Not Evidence-Based
If the health trend you’re paying for is not backed by solid science, meaning peer-reviewed studies over time, it’s probably more hype than value, according to Greg Clement, CEO and founder at Freedomology.
Another sign that you may be spending too much is if the proof of effectiveness centers around testimonials. In that case, there’s probably little to no research into effectiveness, according to Melanie Musson, a finance expert with FreeAdvice.com.
Health trends become unnecessary when they’re not effective. If you’re investing in a healthier lifestyle and you’ve gotten stronger, have more energy and feel better, you can justify paying for what you’re doing, Musson said. “If you’re spending money and seeing no results, it’s a waste.”
Your Health Expenditures Are Cutting Into Basics
If your monthly expenditures in health or wellness are cutting into your rent, savings or debt, that’s a red flag, Musson said.
Don’t forget about the numerous free ways you can improve your health, as well, through things like walking, making healthy food at home, bodyweight training and drinking more water, Bergmark said. “Low-cost or no-cost fitness programs, neighborhood group exercises and plain multivitamins generally are as valuable as costly products,” he added.
You’re Emotionally Spending
Health is totally worth money, but when people start buying products to “keep up” with trends or feel guilty for not participating, the spending can become emotional rather than intentional, Bergmark said.
He urged people to ask if the purchase really contributes to you feeling better, moving better or living in a better or more sustainable way. “[If] it drains your finances or only offers short-term satisfaction, you’re likely better off skipping it,” he said.
Of course, part of the problem may not be the health service or trend itself, but how the individual uses them, Bergmark said. If you’re continually signing up for new health products or services but aren’t sticking with any of them long enough to notice changes, then maybe being healthy in that way is more of a financial burden than a good lifestyle choice.
You’re Not Reading Labels
People tend to overspend by buying expensive name-brand supplements without comparing alternatives, Clement said. He recommended using sites like consumerlab.com, which breaks down quality, purity and cost per serving, to get the best products for the money.
“The price difference can be huge — sometimes name brands cost 10 times more for a lower-quality product,” he said.
You’re Subscribing To Too Many Services
Another way you might easily overspend on health trends is by signing up for subscriptions to services or products and forgetting to cancel them.
“Subscriptions can be great for convenience, but they also have a sneaky way of sticking around on your credit card statement even after you’ve stopped engaging with them,” Bergmark said.
Additionally, if you try a product or method for a few months and see no difference, it’s probably not helping you, Musson said. “If the results are measurable and obvious, it’s worth a long-term investment.”
It Requires a Big Financial Outlay
Another consideration is if you have to pay hundreds of dollars a month or a thousand dollars or more to buy things that are typically free or low-cost, it’s probably a red flag, Musson said.
“For example, if you have to pay $5,000 to get a water purifier installed but you were drinking your water for free before, that should be a red flag.”
When it comes to getting healthy, focus on the fundamentals, such as sleep, movement, hydration and real food. You don’t require fancy gadgets or trendy supplements to be healthy.
More From GOBankingRates
