A woman accidentally gained 20 pounds taking diet advice from influencers. She learned 3 lessons about sustainable weight loss.
Business Insider
February 28, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
In a surprising twist, Hailey Groski, a nutrition student, gained 20 pounds during college by following the diet advice of fitness influencers on social media. Despite eating what she believed were healthy foods like oatmeal with peanut butter, salads with hummus, and acai bowls, she unknowingly consumed hundreds of extra calories each day. Her journey highlights the dangers of blindly following generic nutrition advice without considering personal calorie needs or lifestyle factors. Groski initially tried restrictive dieting and intense exercise, but these methods left her feeling hungry and unsatisfied, emphasizing that sustainable weight loss requires more than quick fixes.
Groski’s experience began when she followed popular trends promoted by influencers, such as eating large portions of high-calorie foods and exercising excessively to lose weight. Despite running two half-marathons and adhering strictly to influencer advice, she couldn’t shed the pounds. This realization came after a year of following these trends, leaving her shocked and frustrated. She learned that creating sustainable habits is more effective than chasing rapid results. By listening to her body’s hunger cues and understanding her specific calorie needs, Groski was able to create a personalized approach that worked for her.
Groski shares three key lessons about sustainable weight loss: 1) avoid outsourcing nutrition choices to influencers or generic advice; 2) use short-term calorie tracking as an educational tool to understand portion sizes and caloric density; and 3) focus on creating long-term, kind habits rather than restrictive diets. These insights are particularly relevant for anyone looking to lose weight without resorting to extreme measures. Her story also underscores the importance of critically evaluating social media advice and tailoring nutrition and fitness plans to individual needs.
For those interested in business or personal finance, Groski’s journey highlights how influencer culture can impact consumer behavior and health outcomes. It raises questions about the responsibility of influencers to provide accurate information and the need for individuals to adopt a more discerning approach when following trends. Her story serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of relying on unverified advice and the importance of personalizing health strategies for long-term success.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/28/2026