Opinion: Should AI be designing your health plan?

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Between the readings, lecture notes and dreaded seminar prep, it can be easy to get swept up in the endless chaos of student life, and the convenience of AI can lure even the strongest of us in. From ChatGPT to Google Gemini, the idea of a ready-made workout plan is undeniably appealing, but is this actually the best option for those looking to start their fitness journey? I think not.

Though AI is becoming increasingly normalised, with some people starting to rely on its companionship, it is important to remember that the advice you will receive is generated on the data of the ‘average’ person. It does not consider your all-nighters due to assignments, or the ankle you sprained trampolining ten years ago that never fully healed. Without a full medical history (and let’s be real, you should not be sending that to the billionaires anyway), this plan could never cater to your personal needs.

As well as this, AI can be very confidently wrong. In times of desperation, have you ever had it searching for exact quotes for essays, then check and realise that they were all made up? This is not the kind tool you should be relying on for serious advice about your body. A recommendation for too steep a calorie deficit, or a dodgy website for supplements could have real and long-term consequences. AI is trained using internet data, meaning that alongside doctor-approved advice are the newest extreme diets, or no-days-off gym rat culture. I know that I wouldn’t trust something that can’t tell the difference between a trend and something genuinely healthy, and neither should you.

Though more time consuming, reliable advice can be found through the NHS ‘Better Health’ scheme. Similarly, joining a sport through a club or society in uni can be both socially and physically rewarding, which is much preferable to sitting home alone talking to code. Get creative with your workouts, rather than following the same questionable advice as everyone else. 

If this still isn’t working for you, keeping to the basics of moving more, eating healthier, and sleeping well are all good places to start. While this may not be the hyper-detailed plan you dreamed of, I’d rather keep things simple than risk my health for the sake of saving ten minutes.

Edited by: Georgia Cook