Social media has become the new frontier of health advice, and with it, a wave of self-proclaimed wellness gurus has emerged. From keto evangelists to fasting fanatics, these influencers promise everything from rapid weight loss to longevity hacks. But how much of their advice is actually backed by science, and how much is just good marketing? Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular health figures on social media, their strengths, and where they might be leading followers astray.

Dr. Eric Berg

Specialty: Keto, Intermittent Fasting, and Nutrient Deficiencies
Strengths: Dr. Berg has built an empire around keto and fasting, with digestible YouTube videos that make complex topics accessible. He’s a chiropractor with decades of experience in holistic health and nutrition.
Weaknesses: While he offers solid advice on keto and fasting, his qualifications aren’t in medical nutrition or endocrinology. Some critics argue that he oversimplifies or exaggerates claims about insulin and metabolism.

Mark Sisson

Specialty: Primal Living, Paleo, and Ancestral Health
Strengths: As the founder of the Primal Blueprint and Primal Kitchen, Sisson is a major voice in the paleo movement. He advocates for a whole-food, low-carb diet inspired by evolutionary nutrition.
Weaknesses: His views on carbohydrates are controversial, as newer research suggests that whole grains and legumes have benefits. Some critics believe his diet philosophy is overly restrictive.

Dr. Andrew Huberman

Specialty: Neuroscience, Biohacking, and Performance Optimization
Strengths: A Stanford neuroscientist, Huberman backs his recommendations with hard science. He focuses on sleep, focus, and brain health, offering tools like light exposure for circadian rhythm regulation.
Weaknesses: Some of his strategies, like extreme cold exposure or breathwork, may not be necessary for the average person. While he provides solid science, some recommendations require more nuanced application.

Dr. Peter Attia

Specialty: Longevity, Metabolic Health, and Performance
Strengths: Attia is a medical doctor who deep-dives into longevity science. His podcast and research focus on practical ways to extend health span and prevent age-related diseases.
Weaknesses: His highly technical approach may be overwhelming for casual health seekers. Some of his longevity hacks are impractical or inaccessible for the general public.

Dr. Rhonda Patrick

Specialty: Nutritional Science, Micronutrients, and Aging
Strengths: Patrick’s research focuses on how diet and supplementation impact aging and disease. She brings scientific rigor to discussions on sauna therapy, fasting, and micronutrient optimization.
Weaknesses: While science-based, some of her recommendations lack large-scale studies. She tends to favor experimental nutrition strategies that may not be necessary for the average person.

Paul Saladino (Carnivore MD)

Specialty: Carnivore Diet, Animal-Based Nutrition
Strengths: A leading voice in the carnivore movement, Saladino argues that plant toxins are harmful and animal-based diets are optimal for health. His approach appeals to those looking for an alternative to traditional diets.
Weaknesses: The carnivore diet is highly restrictive, and many of its claims lack long-term studies. Critics argue that demonizing plant foods contradicts decades of nutritional research.

Barbara O'Neill

Specialty: Natural Remedies, Detoxification, and Alternative Medicine
Strengths: O’Neill is a popular figure in the natural health space, advocating for holistic approaches to healing, detoxification, and disease prevention. Her methods appeal to those looking for alternatives to pharmaceutical treatments.
Weaknesses: Her advice has been widely criticized for lacking scientific support, and she has faced regulatory actions for spreading health misinformation. Some of her claims on disease treatment have been debunked by medical professionals.

Dr. Josh Axe

Specialty: Natural Remedies, Functional Medicine, and Gut Health
Strengths: Dr. Axe is a chiropractor and nutritionist who has built a massive following by promoting natural remedies, gut health, and ancient healing practices. He co-founded Ancient Nutrition, which sells supplements and collagen.
Weaknesses: While he provides useful nutritional insights, some of his claims, especially around alternative medicine, are not always backed by strong scientific evidence. Critics argue that he sometimes exaggerates the benefits of supplements.

Thomas DeLauer

Specialty: Keto, Intermittent Fasting, and Body Optimization
Strengths: DeLauer is known for breaking down complex metabolic science into digestible content for fitness and weight loss enthusiasts. His emphasis on intermittent fasting and keto has helped many followers achieve their goals.
Weaknesses: While his insights are often science-based, he heavily promotes supplements and some extreme dieting methods that may not work for everyone. His focus on aesthetics can also create unrealistic body expectations.

Cassey Ho (Blogilates)

Specialty: Pilates, Fitness, and Body Positivity
Strengths: As the creator of Blogilates, Cassey Ho has inspired millions to embrace Pilates and fitness in a fun, accessible way. She promotes body positivity and encourages sustainable, enjoyable movement.
Weaknesses: While her workouts are effective for toning and strength, some fitness experts argue that her focus on high-rep, low-resistance routines may not provide the best results for all fitness levels. Some of her past messaging has also been criticized for promoting diet culture.

The Verdict: Who Should You Trust?

Each of these influencers brings something valuable to the health conversation. However, social media rewards bold claims and viral content, not necessarily nuance and scientific consensus. The key is to approach these figures with a critical mind—take what works for you, research their claims, and consult with a qualified professional before making radical changes to your health routine.

So, should you unfollow all health influencers? Not necessarily. But instead of treating them as gospel, think of them as sources of inspiration, not medical authorities. The best health advice is personalized, balanced, and rooted in real science, not social media hype.