2024 was a year of diseases, year of health achievements, and also the year of many viral health hacks and trends! TikTok, the China-based social media platform that allows users to create, share, and discover short-form videos, maintained its quick ascent to prominence as a force behind cultural trends.

As the Supreme Court heard arguments for its future in the US, the platform continued to be a focal point for health trends, both positive and negative. While there were some healthcare professionals who turned into digital creators, there were some absolutely mind boggling hacks shared by people in general. Once again, TikTok proved that it is more than just a social networking site; it is a trend-setter.

Here are some of the biggest health trends that took over TikTok in 2024:

A Snow Cream Sensation

The first cold trend started by actress Reese Witherspoon was making "snowcream"—homemade ice cream prepared from freshly fallen snow. On TikTok, people offered recipes for chocolate syrup, condensed milk, vanilla, and snow.

But the trend quickly became a controversial topic. Health experts suggested being cautious before participating since snow can carry poisons and pollutants. What advice do they give? If you can't avoid it, remove only the top layer of snow after a storm to lessen the risk.

The 'Mystery Virus' Panic

As with early pandemic forecasts, TikTok became a safe refuge for concerns about an unidentified illness. Discussions were triggered by videos showing persons with negative COVID test results claiming to have flu-like symptoms.

The good news though, as mentioned above too, many medical influencers stepped in and dispelled myths which also drew attention to other common diseases like RSV and enterovirus. It demonstrated how physicians are increasingly adopting TikTok to directly challenge falsehoods.

Sleepmaxxing Obsession

Having trouble getting to sleep? You're not by yourself. The "sleepmaxxing" craze, which TikTokers elevated, revolves around creating intricate bedtime rituals.

Users shared some of the range of therapies that they have tried themselves, including red light therapy, magnesium supplements, mouth tape, and white noise generators. Experts however emphasized more on the consistent bedtimes and advised against spending money on experiments.

Ballet Body

TikTok promoted the "ballet body"—a toned, thin form resembling ballerinas—as weight-loss medicines like Ozempic gained popularity. When influencers disclosed their diet and fitness routines, they received both praise and criticism.

Others warned about encouraging unattainable physical ideals, particularly among individuals who struggle with body image issues, while others appreciated the appearance. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to health, as medical professionals told viewers.

Olympic Fever Body Positivity

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, particularly in women's sports, have generated a rush of good health. Athletes such as rugby champion Ilona Maher used viral films to combat preconceptions and push for body acceptance.

On TikTok, sports material exploded—#WomenInSports increased by 2,400%—demonstrating that physical attractiveness is not the only driver for health. Perhaps it's about being resilient, persistent, and accepting of different perspectives.

Cucumber Craze

Simplicity is preferred in some cases. @logagm, a TikTok creator, revived cucumbers with sauces, cheeses, and spices. Cucumbers, often known as "nature's Ozempic," have emerged as a popular snack among health-conscious customers.

Although cucumbers include fibre and water, experts cautioned viewers that no one meal is a miracle weight-loss solution. Regardless, supermarkets continued to run out of stock as the trend gained popularity.

Tadpole Water Trend

The "tadpole water" fad of 2024 featured chia seeds and lemon water and was marketed as a weight-loss remedy. TikTok users were attracted by the gelatinous seeds, but experts quickly dismissed the claims.

Although chia seeds are abundant in fibre and vitamins, they are not a weight-loss aid. Dietitians recommended using them in conjunction with regular exercise and a healthy diet for long-term results.

The Sleepy Girl Mocktail

If hearing about “Girl Math” was not enough, TikTok users also invented "sleepy girl mocktail". Now it is nothing like "Girl Math", but a concoction of sour cherry juice, magnesium, and seltzer that promotes better sleep. Fans attest to its effectiveness, but experts warn that it should not be used in place of good sleep hygiene.

Despite the drink's potential advantages, experts advise consumers to prioritise routines over sticking plaster solutions, such setting screen time limits and sticking to a regular schedule.

Beds are usually considered a safe place for people; it is a place that you can always count on to help you rest and recuperate no matter how tough things get. However, sometimes this safe place can become home to some unwanted guests. While our parents would often urge us to make sure our beds remained clean and no food articles remained on it, sometimes leaving things here and there does not seem like a big concern for us. However, this could also be an invitation for bed bugs to enter the equation.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) bed bugs are public health pests. While they do not transmit any diseases, they can cause our physical, mental as well as economical health to suffer. Severe health consequences to them can include allergic reactions which could be on the spectrum of small rashes to anaphylaxis, which is a full body reaction. It can also cause anxiety, insomnia and impact people’s mental health. However, how does one distinguish bed bug bites to normal insect bites?

NHS Guidance on Bed Bugs and Their Bites

The National Health Service (NHS) highlights that bed bugs can hide in various locations, including bed frames, mattresses, clothing, furniture, behind pictures, and under loose wallpaper. They identify three key signs of a bed bug infestation:

Bites: Often appearing on exposed skin areas during sleep, such as the face, neck, and arms.

Blood Spots: Small spots of blood on bedding, resulting from bites or crushed bed bugs.

Brown Spots: Tiny brown spots (bed bug excrement) found on bedding or furniture.

On fair skin, bed bug bites typically appear red, while on darker skin, they may look purplish and can be less noticeable. Reactions to bites vary; some people experience intense itching and painful swelling. Generally, bed bug bites resolve on their own within a week or two.

How Can You Treat Bed Bug Bites?

To manage bed bug bites, the NHS recommends several self-care measures. Applying a cool, damp cloth to the affected area can help alleviate itching and swelling. It's also important to keep the bite area clean to prevent any potential infections. Finally, resisting the urge to scratch the bites is crucial in minimizing the risk of further irritation or infection. Some over the counter products that you may get for relief may include mild steroid creams like Hydrocortisone cream can help ease the itching associated with bed bug bites. NHS notes that children under 10 and pregnant women should consult a doctor before using hydrocortisone cream. You may also be given Antihistamines, which provide relief if the bites are severely itchy and interfere with sleep.

How Can You Get Rid Of Them?

The NHS suggests that if you have bed bugs, it's best to get in touch with your local council or a pest control company. Getting rid of bed bugs on your own can be really tough because they can hide well and some bug sprays don't work on them. While there are a few things you can try yourself, they probably won't completely solve the problem.

Iron is more than a figure on a blood work report—it's the foundation of a woman's energy. From the moment menstruation begins to the final stages of menopause, a woman's need for iron isn't fixed; it varies, develops, and becomes even more essential. Underestimated and underappreciated, iron is not only vital for maintaining healthy blood but also for making energy, keeping the mind functioning, supporting the immune system, regulating hormones, and maintaining good moods. As women progress through the different hormonal stages of life, fluctuating iron levels can deeply impact their quality of life, making this mineral a non-negotiable part of lifelong health planning.

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency on earth, and it disproportionately affects women. An estimated 38% of pregnant women and 29% of non-pregnant women around the world suffer from anaemia—most frequently resulting from iron deficiency. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) peaks in reproductive ages, pregnancy, and early motherhood.

This is due primarily to menstruation, in which repeated monthly blood loss drains iron stores, and augmented further in instances of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), present in as many as one-third of menstruating women. Iron is still important even after menopause, although for other purposes—maintaining immunity, intellect, and metabolism in the absence of monthly loss.

Menstrual Years

Menstruation makes women aware of their life-long connection with iron. Every menstrual cycle, women lose approximately 30–40 millilitres of blood, which amounts to about 15–20 milligrams of iron. In individuals suffering from HMB, frequently due to fibroids, PCOS, or endometriosis—or for whom no cause is identified—the loss of iron is even greater. Unless replenished by a diet rich in iron or by supplements, the loss can cause fatigue, impaired concentration, pallor, and compromised immunity—typical manifestations of IDA.

Actually, iron lost during menstruation is in the form of haem iron, which is more bioavailable than non-haem iron from plant foods. Nevertheless, regular dietary intake is necessary.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Recovery

While pregnant, a woman's blood supply is increased by almost 50% to supply the developing fetus, placenta, and maternal tissues. This increase drastically elevates the requirement for iron. A deficiency here not only poses a risk to the mother but can influence fetal brain development, birth weight, and preterm delivery risk.

Postpartum, iron is still important. Between delivery blood loss and the iron requirements of lactation, most new mothers are struggling with fatigue and low immunity—not only from sleepless nights but because their iron stores haven't been replenished.

Menopause

Most think that postmenopause, iron is obsolete. Although the monthly blood loss ends, the body continues to need iron for metabolic processes, production of red blood cells, and immune system protection. Further, iron serves to fight off age-related muscle loss and for brain health—two of postmenopausal women's top concerns.

As per Shimpli Patil, Head Nutritionist & Lifestyle Expert, "Even without periods, iron is still essential for vitality, immunity, and brain health. Low iron levels are common in many women not only because of diet but also because of poor gut health and ongoing stress."

It's a myth that simply consuming more iron does the trick. The fact is that iron uptake is a multifaceted process, which depends on gut health, stress, and the availability of inhibitors like calcium, tea, and coffee.

"Many women nowadays are suffering from low iron not just because of nutritional deficiencies but also compromised absorption," Patil says. "So, it's not merely about consuming more iron but making sure the body is indeed absorbing it."

Foods That Naturally Boost Iron Levels

Patil advises a combination of traditional and contemporary nutrition to sustain iron levels:

Garden cress seeds (Halim/Aliv): Small but mighty, particularly when soaked overnight and eaten with lemon juice for maximum uptake.

Moringa leaves: Packed with plant iron and antioxidants.

Dark leafy greens: Spinach, amaranth, dill, and colocasia.

Broccoli: Both high in iron and Vitamin C.

Pumpkin and sesame seeds: Convenient snack ingredients with a mighty iron kick.

Wheatgrass: Rich in "green hemoglobin."

Dried fruits: Dates, raisins, and figs make excellent instant iron boosters.

Organ meats: Especially liver, when obtained responsibly.

Tips to Maximize Iron Intake

To make the most of your iron-rich foods:

• Always combine iron sources with Vitamin C (consider: lemon juice, oranges, amla) to maximize absorption.
• Avoid tea, coffee, and milk an hour before or after an iron-rich meal to avoid interference with absorption.
• Consider supplements if you are at high risk or have a diagnosed deficiency, under medical guidance.

Why Iron Count Is About More Than Numbers?

"Iron isn't only about lab tests. It's about energy, clarity, healthy hair, radiant skin, and bouncing back," states Patil. "Healing occurs when we feed with simple, seasonal foods, and care for the gut."

Women need to be in charge of their iron requirements at all stages—by tuning into their bodies, seeing experts, and making informed food choices. And for goodness' sake, iron isn't all about blood—it's the building block of life and health for every woman.

Ms Shimpli Patil is the Head Nutritionist & Lifestyle Expert at Luke Coutinho Holistic Healing Systems (LCHHS) in India

After finally shedding those stubborn pounds with the help of a miracle drug—only to look in the mirror and hardly recognize your reflection. That’s the unexpected twist many users of Ozempic, the wildly popular weight-loss and diabetes medication, are now facing. From Hollywood red carpets to everyday clinics, this injectable GLP-1 drug has become the go-to for quick body transformations. But there's a catch—while your waistline may shrink, your facial features might too. Say hello to “Ozempic mouth,” a bizarre new side effect that's raising both brows and concern. As more patients report sagging skin, hollow cheeks, and deep mouth wrinkles, the question arises: Is the cost of weight loss more than just financial?

Originally designed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, the drug's active ingredient, semaglutide, mimics the GLP-1 hormone to regulate blood sugar and suppress appetite. But as its off-label use for rapid weight loss explodes in popularity — especially among celebrities — so do the concerns about its unintended consequences.

The latest? A perplexing and increasingly common condition dubbed “Ozempic Mouth.”

Much like its predecessor “Ozempic Face”, which made headlines for causing gaunt, hollowed facial features, Ozempic Mouth refers to a very specific set of cosmetic changes — sagging skin around the mouth, deepened folds at the corners of the lips, increased vertical wrinkles, and drooping along the chin and lower face. The result is a prematurely aged look that’s difficult to reverse without cosmetic intervention.

What is ‘Ozempic Mouth’?

The popularity of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy has surged across the US and globally. Recent 2024 data suggests that as many as 1 in 8 Americans have tried a GLP-1 agonist — a number expected to climb as these medications become more accessible and culturally normalized.

But as weight comes off quickly, it doesn’t always do so evenly — and therein lies the problem. Semaglutide doesn’t distinguish between fat deposits. It targets subcutaneous fat — the layer just beneath the skin that gives the face its youthful plumpness. While shedding belly and thigh fat may be welcome, losing fat in the delicate perioral region (around the mouth) leads to a sunken, drawn-out appearance.

The skin becomes thinner and more wrinkled, with what many are calling ‘lipstick lines’. Patients come in alarmed by how aged their face suddenly looks — particularly around the lips and chin.

Celebrities like Sharon Osbourne, Whoopi Goldberg, and Rebel Wilson — all of whom have openly discussed their Ozempic use — have been spotted with increasingly pronounced facial changes. Fans have noted visible differences: sharper jawlines, sagging cheeks, and tight-lipped smiles that hint at underlying volume loss.

This rapid facial transformation has made “Ozempic Mouth” a buzzword in dermatology offices across the globe, with patients urgently seeking remedies to counteract the unintended side effect of their newly slimmed-down physiques.

To combat the effects of Ozempic Mouth, many are turning to dermal fillers — injectable treatments that restore volume, reduce wrinkles, and add subtle plumpness to the skin. According to experts, filler procedures have tripled in the U.S. in the past decade, with 5.3 million performed in 2023 alone, up from 1.8 million in 2010.

Fillers can smooth the appearance of wrinkles and add fullness back to areas like the lips, nasolabial folds, and chin but these fixes don’t come cheap — with treatments ranging from $700 to $2,000 per syringe, depending on the provider and location.

Another alternative growing in popularity is Thermage, a non-invasive radiofrequency treatment that tightens the skin by stimulating collagen production. While not immediate, the results typically become visible in four to six months and can last up to two years.

Thermage works best when used as a preventative, ideally, people on Ozempic should start the treatment early in their weight-loss journey to minimize skin laxity.

Other Strange Ozempic Side Effects

“Ozempic Mouth” is just one of several strange new phenomena reported with GLP-1 medications. The broader term “Ozempic Face” describes the sunken appearance seen in the cheeks, under eyes, and temples — and now “Ozempic Feet” and “Ozempic Butt” are entering the lexicon.

Ozempic Feet refers to skin laxity and thinning skin on the tops of the feet, sometimes making bones more pronounced and shoes uncomfortable. Meanwhile, Ozempic Butt describes the sudden disappearance of fat from the buttocks, leaving some users self-conscious about their drastically altered silhouettes.

"I can feel every bone in my backside now,” one user confessed on a social forum, echoing a growing concern among rapid weight-loss patients.

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic have revolutionized weight-loss treatment, giving hope to many struggling with obesity and related health conditions but as the aesthetic consequences of these medications become more visible, especially among public figures, experts are urging caution.

This is a medical therapy — not a beauty shortcut, warn experts. Rapid weight loss always has a physical cost. Understanding how it affects your body, especially your face, is key to setting realistic expectations.

As with any medical intervention, the decision to start a GLP-1 drug should be made in consultation with a licensed healthcare provider — with full knowledge of both the benefits and the very real, sometimes bizarre, side effects.