A wellness myth is a neat idea that sounds helpful, spreads fast, and falls apart the moment you look at the evidence. Left unchecked, myths waste budget, undermine trust, and can harm people. Here are the biggest culprits we see inside organisations, what the science actually says, and who to book if you want your people to get the truth.
Wellness Myths At Work: What To Stop Believing
Myth 1: You must walk 10,000 steps a day
The truth: The 10,000 figure began as a 1960s pedometer marketing hook, not medical guidance. Large reviews now suggest meaningful health gains around 7,000 steps, with benefits starting even lower. More movement helps, but the number does not need to be round.
What to do instead: Encourage “more than before,” promote brisk walking where possible, and track weekly totals rather than fixating on a daily quota.
Myth 2: Apple cider vinegar burns fat
The truth: Evidence for weight loss is limited and inconsistent, with small short-term effects at best. ACV can also irritate the esophagus and erode tooth enamel if used carelessly. It is not a fat-burner and not a fix for poor diet or sleep.
What to do instead: Focus on diet quality, fibre, protein distribution, and sleep. If people choose to use ACV, advise dilution, food-first use, and dental caution.
Myth 3: Cold plunges and breathwork are safe for everyone, anywhere
The truth: Cold water immersion triggers a “cold shock” response that spikes breathing and heart rate. In some people, especially with underlying risk, that can lead to dangerous arrhythmias. Breath-holding in or near water increases drowning risk. There have been multiple reported drownings linked by families to breathwork done in water, and health bodies advise caution.
There have also been public allegations and legal scrutiny around prominent cold-exposure advocates. The wider safety debate alsocontinues, including high-profile cases involving drownings during breath-holding practices. (You're not a polar bear!)
What to do instead: Keep breathwork dry and away from water. Screen high-risk participants. If you include cold exposure in a programme, use trained supervision, controlled temperatures, time limits, and clear opt-outs.
Myth 4: “Detoxes” remove toxins your body cannot clear
The truth: Your liver and kidneys already do the detoxification work. Juice cleanses and extreme fasts mostly remove water weight and can backfire, especially for those with medical conditions. If a programme cannot name the toxin, dose, and clearance pathway, it is marketing, not medicine.
Why not? Book a nutritionist for an in-person or virtual seminar. For readers who want a deeper dive, pair this with a myth-busting Q&A from your occupational health lead.
Myth 5: Perfectionism is a high standard
The truth: Perfectionism is not healthy striving. It is a rigid fear of failure that drives burnout, anxiety, and lower performance over time. Challenging it is a productivity move, not a soft skills exercise.
Why not? Hear from the science-bascked experts who can change perspectives — see the speaker lineup below.
Book evidence-first myth-busters for your team
These expert voices cut through hype, translate research into plain English, and give people practical tools that stick.
Dr Megan Rossi
Dr Megan Rossi is a gut health scientist, registered dietitian, and research fellow. Author and founder of The Gut Health Doctor. Published 50+ peer-reviewed papers and has secured multi-million-pound research funding. Frustrated by misinformation, she shares clear, evidence-based guidance with a large public audience.
Talk themes: Bust nutritional myths, master your gut health
Ruth Tongue
Ruth Tongue is a MSc-qualified nutritionist, sports scientist, and workplace wellbeing specialist. Regular contributor to national media and director at Elevate. Practical, myth-free advice that employees can apply the same day.
Talk themes: Diet Myths Debunked
Dr Thomas Curran
Dr Thomas Curran is a psychology professor known for landmark research on perfectionism and its harms. Author of international bestseller The Perfection Trap. His TED Talk, which we've shared below, has been viewed millions of times.
Talk themes: The Perfectionism Paradox
Dr Jen Gunter
Dr Jen Gunter is an OBGYN and pain medicine specialist. New York Times bestselling author. She's also the host of Body Stuff, a podcast dedicated to busting medical misinformation, particularly in women’s health.
Talk themes: Menstrual health myths, menopause without the nonsense, how to evaluate health claims
Emeka Okorocha
Dr Emeka Okorocha is a doctor and public health communicator. Became a leading TikTok educator during the pandemic. Works with NHS and government on campaigns. Tackles viral social media health myths with clarity and care.
Talk themes: Social media and the impact on mental health
Pixie Turner
Pixie Turner is an ex-wellness influencer turned qualified nutritionist, psychotherapist and the founder of The Food Therapy Centre. Known for dismantling nutritional wellness myths with compassion and clinical insight.
Talk themes: Nutrition done right
Honourable mention: Anne-Sophie Fluri
Anne-Sophie Fluri is a neuroscientist and myth-buster who challenges wellness misinformation with a clear evidence lens. She hosts the podcast “On Science,” often tackling claims around breathwork, cold exposure, and influencer science.
Book a health speaker
Ready to explore these issues with an expert speaker? Let us know, and we’ll find the perfect PepTalk expert for your organisation. Email us at hello@getapeptalk.com or send us a message via the chat. You can also call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US). Remember, it’s always a good time to get a PepTalk.
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