Health and wellness trends and predictions

Health trends in 2025
 

The results of Medichecks’ Annual Health Survey 2025 are in. We asked 940 people about a selection of health and wellness trends, and which ones they’d tried.

Here arethe most popular health trends, according to you.

Most popular health trends

• Magnesium supplements (65.7%) - most common in the 25–54 age category; the trend declines with age.
• High-protein diet (39.9%) - most common in the 18–34 category; steadily declines with age. Men were more likely to have tried a high-protein diet (67.5%) than women (54.8%).
• Collagen supplements (36.1%) – most common in females in the 25–54 category.
• Red light therapy (15.9%) – more common in 25–44 age category.
• Cold water exposure (15.6%) – much more common in the 25–34 age group. More popular with men (22.0%) compared with women (11.7%).
• Sauna use (13.6%) – clear peak in 25–34 age category (22.6%). More popular with women (17.4%) compared with men (14.0%).
• Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) (11.7%)
• Weight loss injections (11.1%) – much less common in the 65+ age groups.

Age group most likely to try health trends

The 25–44s age group was the peak wellness demographic, leading in almost all health trends.

Most popular health trends for women

• Magnesium
• Collagen
• Sauna use

Most popular health trends for men

• High-protein diets
• Cold water exposure
• Red light therapy
• CGM

Health predictions for 2026
 

What does the future of health and wellness bring in 2026? We’ve asked our doctors for their expert opinions, here’s what they said.

Dr Susanna Hayter’s healthcare predictions

The future of weight loss injection drugs

As our understanding of glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) drugs such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) grows, so do the methods of taking the medication. 

Microdosing for long-term management

The World Health Organization has released new guidance on weight loss injection drugs and their continuous use. Microdosing GLP-1s (although currently only done off-label) may be a cost-effective way for patients to maintain their weight loss [1]. 

Effective pill versions of weight loss injections

For people who aren’t keen on the idea of regular injections, GLP-1 agonists could be available as a pill within the next two years. Rybelsus (the oral version of Wegovy/Ozempic) and Orfoglipron (the oral version of Mounjaro) are undergoing rigorous testing to become available for weight management [2].

New injections on the market

Additionally, new metabolism-modulating drugs will enter the market, such as C. These drugs target more hunger-related hormone receptors than ever, making weight loss effects even more rapid [3].

More research on the gut-brain axis

Obesity and the gut-brain axis are being studied like never before. Next year, we hope to see increased support and education for people on their weight loss journey to minimise side effects like muscle loss, nutritional deficiencies, and weight regain.

Eating gets smarter

The younger generation will continue to be health-aware, focusing on the benefits of healthy nutrition. Cutting out seed oils and ultra-processed foods, while opting for lower salt and sugar options will be the norm.

The use of apps such as YUKA promote wellbeing and reduced risk of disease will become even more widespread, and building diet plans based on your DNA, gut microbiome, and metabolic health will become more popular and affordable.

Dr Tina Ghela’s healthcare predictions

AI-powered wearable nutrition trackers

It wouldn’t be a 2026 prediction without AI playing a major role.

Today, many of us already track steps, calories, hydration, and workouts through apps and wearables.  But over the next year, we expect nutrition tracking to become far more seamless and far more personalised.

AI-enabled wearable nutrition tools are set to move into the mainstream. Instead of manually logging meals, automated nutrition trackers will use advanced image recognition to identify the food on your plate and record what you’ve eaten during the day. This information then feeds into an app, where an AI nutrition coach provides insights into your calorie intake, nutrient balance, and how your diet aligns with your goals.

As machine learning and predictive analytics improve, these tools will become smarter and more proactive. We're likely to see:

• More accurate, real-time meal logging
• Personalised nutrition guidance based on your data, habits, and health goals
• Recommendations that link diet with sleep,recovery, and long-term health

By the end of next year, AI nutrition support won’t just track what you’ve eaten – it will help anticipate what your body needs next, offering lifestyle suggestions that support better health and preventative care.

Rise in proactive approach to health

The ever-growing interest in longevity means preventative medicine, biohacking, and overall attention to wellness will continue to increase.

Full body scans and genetic screening are just some of the proactive steps on offer. There’ll be a higher focus around sleep, recovery, nutrition, and early screening with the goal of improving longevity.

Just like making annual blood testing part of your routine, taking these measures now can help you catch conditions before they present symptoms, track changes, and learn more about your body.

Alcohol takes a backseat

As more people prioritise their health, alcohol will continue to decline in popularity.

We’ll see a surge in low- and no-alcohol drinks, and also an increase in functional ingredients such as magnesium and CBD.

Drinks that promote calm and connection by targeting the brain’s gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system, such as valarian, ashwagandha, and a new molecule still being tested known as acarelle, will also become more popular [4].

Dr Asia Ahmed’s healthcare predictions

Fibre, fibre, fibre

Move over protein, there's a new health trend in town. When it comes to your health it's best not to follow trends, but rather follow the science. But there’s one diet trend we can get behind: ‘fibremaxxing’.

Just like it sounds, fibremaxxing means maximising the amount of fibre you eat in a day.

The NHS recommends eating around 30 grams daily, but an estimated 96% of us aren’t meeting that requirement [5,6]. Fibre supports our gut bacteria, and increasing evidence shows the state of our gut influences our heart, brain, metabolic system, and even our mood.

Quick, pass the chia seeds!

Digital detoxing

Tech-free spa retreats are on the rise as people are recognising the detrimental effects of constant stimulation from screens and taking a step back.

Research has shown overuse of technology may be linked to increased stress, reduced attention span, memory loss, and depression. And despite our phones making us available to others 24/7, they’re also making us feel more disconnected and lonelier [7–10].

But don’t worry if a digital detox retreat is a bit out of your budget this year. Downloading apps to limit your screen time or simply turning your phone off and putting it out of sight are low-cost ways to give your brain a rest

Nature takes centre stage

Spending time outdoors is increasingly being recognised as a simple but powerful health tool.

Sunlight helps regulate sleep–wake cycles and supports vitamin D production — a nutrient essential for bone, muscle and immune health — while fresh air and green space are linked to lower stress and better overall wellbeing [11,12].

Emerging research also suggests vitamin D may play a role in brain health, with studies linking adequate levels to a lower risk of neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease [13].

While more research is needed, the message is clear: regular daylight exposure and time in nature are important foundations of long-term preventive health.

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References

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2. Daily pill could offer alternative to weight-loss injections | New Scientist. [cited 10 Dec 2025]. 
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4. Nutt DJ, Tyacke RJ, Spriggs M, Jacoby V, Borthwick AD, Belelli D, et al. Functional Alternatives to Alcohol. Nutrients. 2022;14. doi:10.3390/nu14183761
5. Fibremaxxing: What is it and why is it trending? In: BBC Food [Internet]. [cited 10 Dec 2025]. 
6. Fargo M. Exactly What Is Fibremaxxing, The New Nutrition Obsession? In: British Vogue [Internet]. 8 Oct 2025 [cited 10 Dec 2025]. 
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9. Peras I, Klemenčič Mirazchiyski E, Japelj Pavešić B, Mekiš Recek Ž. Digital versus Paper Reading: A Systematic Literature Review on Contemporary Gaps According to Gender, Socioeconomic Status, and Rurality. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ. 2023;13: 1986–2005. doi:10.3390/ejihpe13100142
10. Part 2: Sleep, loneliness, activities and health behaviours. In: NHS England Digital [Internet]. 20 Dec 2024 [cited 20 Dec 2024]. 
11. Alimohammadi‐Kamalabadi M, Ziaei S, Hasani M, Mohammadi S, Mehrbod M, Morvaridi M, et al. Does vitamin D supplementation impact serotonin levels? A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Health Sci Rep. 2024;7: e2276. doi:10.1002/hsr2.2276
12. Blanco-Rojo R, Pérez-Granados AM, Toxqui L, Zazo P, de la Piedra C, Vaquero MP. Relationship between vitamin D deficiency, bone remodelling and iron status in iron-deficient young women consuming an iron-fortified food. Eur J Nutr. 2013;52: 695–703. doi:10.1007/s00394-012-0375-8
13. Pignolo A, Mastrilli S, Davì C, Arnao V, Aridon P, Dos Santos Mendes FA, et al. Vitamin D and Parkinson’s Disease. Nutrients. 2022;14: 1220. doi:10.3390/nu14061220