Numerous emerging trends are redefining how we approach health and wellness, emphasising prevention, sustainability, and a deeper understanding of our bodies.
From the quest for a longer, healthier life to the cultivation of a thriving gut microbiome, these five health trends are set to shape the health and wellness sector in 2025.
While chasing a slim or more muscular physique is a fitness trend that never loses its relevance or importance, more people are choosing to lose weight for health reasons.
In the McKinsey survey, 60% of the consumers interviewed said they were seeking a weight management solution and over half stated that they were looking to lose 10 pounds (4.5kg) or more.
The enduring relevance of weight management as a health and fitness trend relates to a confluence of factors.
Rising obesity rates worldwide continue to keep weight loss a top priority among healthcare professionals and sufferers alike, particularly due to the health implications.
Excessive weight is associated with numerous chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer, with strong mental health connections.
Growing awareness about the interplay between obesity and health has driven consumers to prioritise weight management as a preventive health measure.
Advancements and ongoing innovations in fitness tracking devices, dietary apps, and personalised nutrition plans have also made it easier for consumers to monitor and manage their weight.
Trend #2: Gut health
The latest Future of Wellness survey by McKinsey identifies gut health as a focal point in holistic wellness as new research uncovers its connection to immunity, chronic diseases, optimal nutrition, and mental health via the gut-brain axis.
According to survey findings, over 80% of consumers in China, the UK, and the US consider gut health important, and over 50% anticipate making it a higher priority over the next few years.
As such, gut health and digestive functional foods and supplements, including probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes and fermented foods, will continue to gain a greater share of pocket among health-conscious supplement and food shoppers in 2025.
Trends highlighted in the US and China by McKinsey show that probiotic supplements in vitamin or pill form are the most popular. In the UK, consumers prefer a nutrition-based approach, prioritising probiotic-rich fermented foods such as yoghurt or kombucha.
Trend #3: Sleep optimisation
Sleep health continues to gain recognition as a critical component of overall wellness, with a surge in sleep optimisation – also known as sleepmaxxing – practices and technologies dominating social media feeds and trend reports.
In their quest to improve their sleep quality and duration, more health-conscious consumers are investing in smart mattresses, sleep trackers, and apps that monitor and enhance sleep quality.
AI is also revolutionising the way we analyse and interpret sleep data to identify trends and insights, with the Sleep Initiative Trends report identifying personalisation and proactive recommendations as key benefits to emerge from these technology-driven advancements.
Practices like sleep hygiene (creating a sleep routine and conducive environment), taking sleep support supplements, including nootropics, and relaxation techniques before bedtime will also become more commonplace in contemporary wellness advice in 2025.
Trend #4: Sustainable wellness
Sustainability emerged as a prolific trend in 2024 and the theme looks set to carry its relevance into the wellness sector in 2025.
In essence, sustainable wellness is about creating a harmonious relationship between individuals and the planet.
By adopting sustainable practices like mindful consumption, natural and organic product preferences, and an eco-friendly lifestyle, people are looking to improve their well-being while also contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come.
As consumers become more conscious of their environmental impact, more are choosing eco-friendly health and wellness products made and manufactured using sustainable and ethical practices, with a rise in biodegradable packaging, organic ingredients and ethically sourced goods.
Trend #5: Healthy ageing
People are living longer on average, which means ageing with grace and vitality has surged up the priority list for health-conscious individuals.
Healthy ageing is emerging as a major priority in numerous wellness trend reports, with data from the 2024 McKinsey Consumer Trends Report showing that over 60% of respondents say it is “extremely or very important” to purchase longevity products, 70% indicating that they plan to buy more products in future.
Sharing insights in the report, the McKinsey Health Institute suggests that boosting quality of life, while managing age-related diseases will become critical and that a holistic approach is required to move the needle.
Ageing well entails maintaining physical and mental health with tailored exercise and nutrition plans.
The Deloitte Predicting the Future of Healthcare and Life Sciences in 2025 report highlights increased adoption of technology that monitors healthcare data through validated apps, wearables and connected devices,
In this space, artificial intelligence (AI) will play an increasingly significant role in personal wellness, from AI-driven health coaches and virtual twins that help to enhance behavioural change to personalised fitness plans and customised mental health support.
The rising domain of “AgeTech” is also offering solutions that help older people live safely and independently for longer. A shift to preventative measures, including vaccines, genetic testing and therapies to boost vitality, wellness and immune health, were additional trends highlighted in the report.
Author: Pedro van Gaalen
When he’s not writing about sport or health and fitness, Pedro is probably out training for his next marathon or ultra-marathon. He’s worked as a fitness professional and as a marketing and comms expert. He now combines his passions in his role as managing editor at Fitness magazine.