Millennials trying to be 'too healthy' with excessive exercise and supplements

Millennials are putting themselves at risk by taking supplements and doing excessive exercise - because they're trying to be too healthy.

Doctors are worried that people in the 20 to 35 age range, especially men, are putting their long-term health at risk in a bid to look good now.

Millennials are more likely than any other age brackets to go to extremes, including using potentially deadly supplements or working out more than four days per week.

While it's common and healthy to adopt some lifestyle changes, millennials are taking it too far and are risking .

Top doctors have warned that unregulated health supplements could have unintended health consequences.

Gym culture also encourages men, and women, to push themselves to their limits, intense workout schedules often lead to burnout - and joint and skeletomuscular issues.

Health habits

A national survey of Americans commissioned by Orlando Health finds that 90 percent of men have changed their daily habits to reach their fitness goals.

Dr Jamin Brahmbhatt and Dr Sijo Parekattil, co-directors of the PUR Personalized Urology & Robotics Clinic and urologists at Orlando Health, are hitting the road for the 5th annual Drive for Men's Health.

They are discussing the possible dangers of going overboard for the sake of obtaining 6-pack abs or bigger muscles.

Dr Brahmbhatt said: "Finding that healthy balance can be a challenge, but it's something that men should be speaking to their doctors about.

"The daily habits that they think are improving their health could actually be putting it at risk.

"A lot of claims on the labels of supplements and shakes are, at best, unresearched, and at worst, potentially dangerous."

Risky behaviour

Not only are millennials more likely to engage in risky habits to achieve their body goals, but they're also less likely to see their doctors.

They will host a number of talks and events at farmers' markets in a bid to teach people how to not over-do being healthy.

Dr Parekattil added: "We want people to have fun at these events so that they are engaged and can absorb the important health messages that we're putting out there.

"Showing up creates a great opportunity to start the conversation and make an appointment with your doctor, because just living a healthy lifestyle isn't enough.

"Having regular visits with a physician is also extremely important to disease prevention and maintaining good health."

Dr Brahmbhatt added: "We often use the analogy that our bodies are a lot like our cars.

"Men will take the time to do preventative maintenance on their cars, like getting tune ups and oil changes, but for whatever reason, we often don't take the same time and effort for our health.

"We need to change that mindset."