Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 17: Amid a sharp rise in lifestyle-related ailments across the country, a leading wellness expert has called for a shift from generic health advice to personalised, science-backed interventions, warning that outdated beliefs continue to undermine long-term wellbeing.

Dr Sajeev Nair, founder of Vieroots Wellness Solutions, said India’s traditional understanding of “healthy living” — a mix of ancestral practices and modern fitness trends — has failed to curb the growing burden of chronic diseases.

“We are still following a one-size-fits-all approach at a time when science offers clear tools for personalisation. Many common health myths are silently sabotaging our collective longevity,” he stated.

He outlined five widely held misconceptions that need urgent correction:

Metabolism is the same for everyone

According to Dr Nair, metabolic rates differ from person to person. Comparing fitness outcomes with others can be misleading, as a diet or exercise routine that benefits one individual may trigger blood sugar spikes or inflammation in another. Ignoring such differences can lead to metabolic stress, chronic fatigue and unexpected weight gain.

Wearables and health apps are mere fads

Dismissing wearable devices as tech gimmicks is another misconception, he said. These tools provide real-time biofeedback, tracking indicators such as heart rate variability, sleep patterns and stress responses. Such data enables individuals to understand how daily habits impact their internal biology.

Precision nutrition is not practical

While some view precision nutrition as futuristic, Dr Nair emphasised that personalised dietary planning based on scientific data is already a reality. He criticised “diet-of-the-month” trends, noting that nutritional needs vary according to biochemical individuality. Tailored nutrition, he said, is essential for sustainable health.

Weight loss depends only on calorie control

The belief that weight loss is purely about “eating less and moving more” oversimplifies a complex process. Genetic factors influence fat storage, hunger signals and metabolic efficiency. DNA-based weight management programmes, he explained, help individuals align strategies with their biological predispositions.

Lifestyle diseases are inevitable with age

The most dangerous myth, he warned, is the assumption that conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are unavoidable or can only be treated after symptoms appear. In reality, these diseases develop gradually over years. Early identification of epigenetic triggers — lifestyle factors that activate harmful genes — allows for timely preventive action.

With India facing an escalating health crisis linked to sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits, experts stress that personalised, data-driven healthcare may be crucial in reversing the trend and improving long-term public health outcomes.