Holistic Beauty Swaps for Quick-Fix Trends BY: SANONNA ALTAWEEL
I f you watched the Super Bowl this year, you may have seen an ad touting its medication as the sensible solution to the rising rates of obesity and associated health risks. Although at first glance the medication appears to be a great alternative to the high prices of name-brand weight loss drugs, a mere five minutes of Google searching reveals that the advertised medication has not been FDA- approved, a crucial step in ensuring safety and effectiveness. Unfortunately, this is just another example of the modern wellness industry capitalizing on the desperation of consumers to pursue “quick-fixes” over sustainable, evidence-based approaches that prioritize long-term health. The same pattern plays out in the market for cosmetic fillers: Promises of instant youth and flawless skin with minimal effort, all without a single mention of the risks. Behind the airbrushed ads and glossy promises lies the relentless pressure from the beauty industry to look young and flawless.This pressure convinces many women that the only path to acceptance and confidence is through products that offer instant and perfect results. Frankly,
it’s a lie.There are other ways to take care of your appearance, maintain your long-term health, and boost self- confidence, all without playing into the beauty industry’s quick-fix culture. The cycle of quick, seemingly easy cosmetic fixes isn’t new.The pursuit of the “perfect body” through medication and treatments has been around for almost a century. According to the American Medical Association, the first weight loss drug (also known as a GLP-1) was developed in the 1930s with the introduction of dinitrophenol (DNP). And cosmetic procedures like fillers have an even older history, with the first facial augmentation hitting the scene after the invention of the syringe in the late 1800s. Over the years, fillers and weight loss drugs have established themselves as staples in the beauty industry, partly due to their popularity with celebrities. And now, with the rise of social media and influencer culture, the prioritization of appearance over health doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Because, let’s be honest, the idea of popping a pill and dropping 10 pounds in less than a month seems pretty appealing. It taps
into our desire for instant gratification. But what’s often left out of the sleek marketing and 15-second Instagram reels are the long-term effects of these medications; effects that can become a lifetime cycle of dependency. Weight loss medications often come with side effects like nausea, digestive issues, and hormonal imbalances. Not to mention that you’re likely to gain back the weight you lost if you ever come off the medication. Similarly, though less invasive, cosmetic fillers have risks like allergic reactions, infections, and unnatural facial expressions. Beyond the physical effects of these products, harmful mindsets can accompany their introduction. Relying on fillers and medications to make you feel beautiful can foster a negative self-image, take a toll on your mental health, and fuel insecurity. Instead of chasing temporary results, turn to holistic methods that focus on nurturing your body and mind. Equating beauty with wellness is the first step to a sustainable beauty routine. Nourish from Within A nutrient-rich diet full of antioxidants,
22 JULY 2025 | CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM
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