Opinion – why giving weight loss jabs to unemployed Brits is problematic
The government’s proposal endorses the stereotype that larger people without jobs are ‘just lazy’ and implies that a body that ‘works’ is measured by how much labour can be extracted from it. These days, it’s almost too easy to compare ourselves as we binge episode after episode of fatphobic...
Current in Wellness
Opinion – we look at ourselves too much
Before mirrors and smartphones were invented, the only way to see our own face was to use nature. Nowadays, we’re faced with our reflection on so many occasions throughout an average day that it’s no wonder we’re all so preoccupied with our appearance. Not to be dramatic, but in...
The dangers of gymcel culture
As the worlds of incels and gym nuts collide, the impacts of this are not only concerning for women, but for the susceptible men whose wellbeing is at stake as a result of these trends. By now, I’m sure you’ve heard of the infamous red pill community, whose members...
Is the hype around adaptogenic drinks too good to be true?
As Gen Z abandons beer and tequila for non-alcoholic drinks, ‘functional’ beverages containing plant-based adaptogens are hitting the market at rapid speed. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that mushrooms are having their moment in the realm of wellness as of late. Scrolling on social media, you’ve probably...
Is dopamine fasting a wellness trend actually worth trying?
Feeling nothing for a day in order to feel more later on is all the rage on TikTok, but does it actually work? Over the last decade, ‘wellness’ has become such a ubiquitous part of mainstream culture that in 2024, it’s pretty hard to imagine life without it. A term coined...
Could nature be the antidote to dehumanisation?
According to recent research, spending time in nature can enhance our perception of others’ humanity. It suggests that this commonly accessible experience could be hugely beneficial for the reignition of healthy social interactions in an increasingly isolationist world. If you know me, then you’ll know I’m an absolute sucker...
Opinion – social media can never do enough to protect users’ body image
YouTube is the latest platform to make bold claims about restricting young people’s access to content that promotes harmful beauty standards. In light of other online spaces’ failure to address the increasingly concerning impacts of diet culture, however, will this actually have any effect? On September 5th, YouTube announced it would stop recommending videos idealising specific fitness levels, body weights, or physical features to young people, following warnings of...
will I ever heal my relationship with my body?
though I’d vehemently deny it if you ever brought it up, I cannot remember ever caring about my physical appearance in a way that could be considered ‘healthy.’ I’ve always wondered what it would be like to look in the mirror and feel optimistic about what’s in front of me. Saying that, I strive to avoid my reflection at all costs these days, to ward off the chastising that otherwise runs...
Is MDMA about to become medicine?
In 2021, a clinical trial uncovered the impressive efficacy of the club drug in treating post-traumatic stress disorder. Three years later, and the F.D.A. is scheduled to make an announcement on whether it’s ready to move forward with approving Ecstasy for therapeutic use. In what’s poised to be a watershed moment in the nascent field of psychedelic medicine, MDMA-assisted therapy is facing an imminent F.D.A. decision. A decades-long campaign to legalise...
Seasonal Affective Disorder exists in the summertime too
While many people struggle with depression during dark winter months, the long and hot days of summer bring about a similar struggle for many. As the planet heats up, psychologists warn extreme and prolonged heatwaves could see more people affected. Summertime Sadness isn’t just a song by Lana del Rey, it’s a genuine condition. The clinical terminology for this is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), characterized by an onset of depression...
