The author expresses skepticism towards the wellness industry, personally rejecting popular practices such as hot yoga and the consumption of vitamins and crystals. This perspective is further contemplated through reading 'The Cult of Well-Being' by Rina Raphael, which reveals the staggering growth of the wellness sector, now valued at approximately $4.4 trillion annually. The author illustrates that while the phenomenon of wellness may be more prevalent in the United States, it has nevertheless found a foothold even in Brazil, attracting individuals willing to spend large sums on unusual regimens and products designed to improve health and cognitive function.

Raphael’s book serves as a critique of the often absurd lengths to which the wellness industry goes, with practices such as electric shock workouts and “biohacking” beverages becoming increasingly mainstream. The author suggests that these trends reflect a societal obsession with health and well-being, which may lead individuals to engage in extreme behaviors in the hopes of achieving an idealized state of wellness. This obsession can also overlook practical, sustainable health measures in favor of flashy trends that promise quick results but may not be effective or necessary.

The discussion highlights broader implications for personal health choices and societal values related to wellness. It raises questions about the pressure to conform to wellness trends, the commercialization of health, and the potential disconnect between true well-being and the marketed ideals that dominate the industry. Ultimately, this critique of the wellness cult begs a reevaluation of what it means to be healthy in a consumer-driven society.