Health experts and enthusiasts react to OTT's new show Apple Cider Vinegar

The Netflix show Apple Cider Vinegar, starring Kaitlyn Dever has gained traction, especially among fitness and wellness enthusiasts.

Apple Cider Vinegar tells the story of Belle Gibson, an Australian wellness influencer. She claimed to have cured cancerous growth in her body through health and wellness.

"Sounds unlikely? That’s because it is. As it turns out, Belle has never actually been diagnosed with — or cured of — the malignant brain tumor that she shares with the world through social media, the mobile app she develops, and its companion cookbook," Netflix has to say about its new show.

“The show really does an amazing job at shedding light on the confusion that surrounds the medical world and the wellness industry — and also human behavior and why we lie,” Dever told Netflix. “It does have very high stakes and feels very life and death.”

Apple Cider Vinegar follows two young women determined to heal their life-threatening illnesses through health and wellness, all while building a massive online following. Their journey appears deeply inspiring—until cracks begin to show. As time passes, it becomes clear that not everything is as it seems. What starts as a story of hope turns into a compelling reflection on the power—and pitfalls—of online influence.

"Everyone who is self-medicating for serious illnesses needs to watch the Apple Cider Vinegar show on Netflix. even I do some honey turmeric chyawanprash ajwain ginger etc on the side but it can never be your primary source of treatment. pls be sensible," one X user has shared on the social media platform.

"Watching @Netflix ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ which is reminding me of many of the points discussed in @jonathanstea’s book ‘Mind the science’ - read it, then watch the show to prevent grifters from capitalising on your vulnerabilities," writes another.

"The show on Netflix Apple Cider Vinegar is sooooo good and the fact that it’s based on a true story is crazy. People can really sell anything online and people will eat it up!," a third user says.

"If this [show] doesn't make you realise the wellness industry is a complete scam, then nothing will convince you. And, oh my god, this was so triggering to watch as a medical professional," said Dr Michael, who has nearly 500K followers on TikTok. As quoted by Express, Dr Michael says, "I used to work in a cancer hospital myself and I regularly do palliative care on patients with cancer in the hospital I work in, and this made me so angry and so sad at the same time because, ultimately, it's up to doctors and nurses to deal with this stuff once the s*** hits the fan - and it usually does."

Social media platforms have significantly transformed the wellness industry, making health trends, fitness routines, and mental well-being discussions more accessible. Influencers and experts use platforms to promote holistic living, healthy diets, and mindfulness practices, driving widespread engagement. While social media has increased awareness, it has also led to misinformation and unrealistic wellness standards. When used mindfully, social media serves as a powerful tool for spreading credible wellness information and fostering positive lifestyle changes.