16 / Apr
Health and Wellness Trending in the UK
Health and Wellness is rapidly gaining traction and key trends throughout the United Kingdom. Following the pandemic, many Brits are now placing a greater emphasis on their health and everyday wellbeing.
Many saw importance of staying fit and boosting mental heath and this highlighted the need for self-care and overall wellness practices. These lifestyle shifts are changing how consumers behave, creating new chances for brands and marketers to capitalise on.
A recent report from Pure Gym reveals that 48% of individuals in the UK are currently engaged in regular exercise, marking a 3% increase in 2023. [3] This rise has led to a growing trend in the adoption of fitness apps and wearable technology, assisting Brits in chasing fitness goals. In 2024, the fitness app market generated a revenue of USD 26.6 million, and is expected to reach USD 75.5 million by 2030. The largest segment in the use of these apps and devices in 2024 focused on exercise relating to weight loss. [4]
And there’s not just a rise in gym memberships; there’s also a growing interest in holistic wellness practices. While nearly half (48%) of Brits regularly engage in exercise, 82% recognise the importance of physical activity for mental health and overall well-being, indicating a market which can still be served. [5]
Gyms can often create anxiety and stress around fitness, which is why many people have shifted their focus to activities like yoga and meditation. Currently, there are 5,227 Pilates and Yoga studios across the UK, and this sector has experienced a CAGR of 4.0% from 2019-2024. [6]
Health and Wellness goes beyond just physical activity, it also comprises of the nutrition to fuel the body on a day-to-day basis. A recent study by Statista reveals that around 60% of people in the UK are trying to eat healthier or are choosing more nutritious options. [7]
In their quest for better eating habits, many Brits are opting for pre-made meal kits to save time over standard grocery shopping. It’s projected that the Meal Kit Delivery market in the UK will generate about US$1.55 billion by 2025, with the number of users in this market expected to reach 2.6 million by 2029. [8] Read more in our UK grocery delivery trend recap here.
In recent years, there has been a significant decline in the stigma surrounding mental health issues. This shift is largely due to increased awareness and the rise of various support options available to individuals seeking help. According to Statista, as of March 2024, there are approximately 283,000 therapy professionals employed in the United Kingdom. [9]
The rise in health and wellness has been supported by rising aweness and implementation of employee wellbeing programs. A 2024 report by Health at Work UK indicates that 90% of employers now consider employee wellbeing central to their recruitment and retention strategies. [10]
Employers have come to understand that prioritising the health and wellbeing of their staff not only boosts productivity but also fosters a positive workplace atmosphere and makes employees feel valued – which in turn helps to support wellbeing.
Moving forwards there will be even more developments in the UK as the wellness industry grows and personalised care starts to become more widely implemented. Brands that invest in showing that they are invested in the health and wellness of their customers, beyond the intial purchase point, will be well placed to benefit from this trend.
Make sure to check out the rest of our Top Consumer Trends in the UK for 2025.
[1] The resilience and preparedness of the United Kingdom, UK COVID-19 Inquiry, July 2024
[2] Is the COVID-19 lockdown nudging people to be more active: big data analysis, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2020
https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/54/20/1183
[3] The UK Fitness Report – 2024/2025 Gym Statistics, Pure Gym, November 2024
https://www.puregym.com/blog/uk-fitness-report-gym-statistics/
[4] UK Move to Earn Fitness Apps Market Size & Outlook, Grand View Research, December 2024
[5] Moving more is good for our mental health so what’s stopping us, Mental Health Foundation UK, May 2024
[6] Pilates & Yoga Studios in the UK – Market Research Report (2014-2029), IBIS World, October 2024
[7] Attitudes towards food in the UK as of December 2024, Statista, January 2025
https://www.statista.com/forecasts/997914/attitudes-towards-food-in-the-uk
[8] Meal Kit Delivery – United Kingdom, Statista, July 2024
[9] Actual Number of therapy professionals in the United Kingdom from 2010 to 2024, Statista, November 2024
https://www.statista.com/statistics/318902/numbers-of-therapy-professionals-in-the-uk/
[10] Key Employee Wellbeing Trends for 2024, Health at Work UK, 2024
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