Where Wellness Spending Is Going in 2025 (And Why It Matters)

Rosa Matthews
Apr 30
4 min read

Wellness used to be a side hobby. Something you'd try when you had spare time, like a yoga class or a green smoothie now and then.

That’s changed. In 2025, wellness is the main event. It’s how people are living, spending money, and making decisions—every single day.

According to the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness economy is expected to hit $7.3 trillion this year. That’s not a typo. It’s actually growing faster than the global economy itself.

So yeah, this isn’t just about fancy supplements or spa retreats anymore. It’s about how we’re all trying to feel better, live longer, and deal with everything life throws at us. Let’s dig into what that really looks like in everyday life.

Wellness Is Beating Healthcare—Seriously

Here’s a stat that kind of says it all: people now spend more money on wellness than they do on actual healthcare. The average person globally spends $788 on wellness, compared to $746 on traditional healthcare (Global Wellness Institute).

Since 2020, wellness spending has been growing about 12% per year, and that growth isn’t slowing down. It’s expected to keep rising at 7.3% annually through 2028.

So, what’s driving that?

People are living longer.
Chronic health issues are more common.
Mental health is on everyone's radar now.
Preventing problems is just smarter (and often cheaper) than treating them later.

A recent Market Research survey found that nearly 75% of people plan to spend more on health this year. That’s up from 62% last year. Big shift.

4 Wellness Trends That Are Actually Useful

Let’s cut to it. These are the trends making a real impact on people’s day-to-day lives—not just hype.

1. Mental Health Tools That Do More Than Talk

Mental wellness has exploded into a $187 billion industry (Research and Markets). From therapy apps to meditation tools, there are now options that genuinely help people feel more in control.

Take meditation apps—they’ve grown into a $2.26 billion market (The Business Research Company). And a lot of users say they feel less stressed and more focused after just two weeks of regular use.

Start here: Open a meditation app and try a 5-minute breathing session right before bed or first thing in the morning. That’s it. Just try it.

2. Sleep Tech That’s Actually Smart

The sleep industry is now a $25.6 billion market (Research and Markets). And it’s moved way past white noise machines.

You’ve got smart beds (a $3.64 billion market on their own, according to Fortune Business Insights) that adjust to how you move. Wearables that track your sleep stages. Apps that suggest bedtime routines based on your patterns.

And the results? People say they’re falling asleep 37% faster and waking up 28% less during the night.

Quick tip: Keep your bedroom around 18–20°C (65–68°F)—it makes a bigger difference than you’d think.

3. Nutrition That’s Built Around You

Generic diets? Out. Personalized nutrition is in. The market is worth $16.21 billion right now (Grand View Research) and growing fast.

This includes everything from tailored supplement plans to DNA-based nutrition programs (a $613 million market, per Precedence Research). These tools look at your genetics, lifestyle, or gut health to tell you exactly what you need.

People using them say they feel more energized, have fewer digestive issues, and manage their weight more sustainably.

Start here: Try an at-home nutrient test. Skip the deep science for now—just get a basic read on what your body might be missing.

4. Health Tools That Help You Catch Issues Early

Preventative health is the one trend we should’ve been taking seriously all along. It’s now a $344.39 billion industry (The Business Research Company), and the big growth is in at-home testing kits—a $7.79 billion market (Future Market Insights).

You can test for hormone levels, food sensitivities, vitamin deficiencies—all without leaving your house.

And the upside? You catch small problems before they turn into big ones. That can mean better treatment outcomes, less stress, and potentially thousands saved in medical bills.

Quick win: Create a simple "wellness check" calendar—maybe once every 3 months, do a home test and see what’s going on.

Cold Plunges: Still Trendy, But Less Gimmicky

Cold plunging has gone from weird Instagram challenge to full-on wellness ritual. The market’s on track to reach $512.45 million by 2032 (Market Research).

People are doing it for better circulation, lower inflammation, improved mood, and a quick energy boost. You don’t need some fancy plunge tub either—lots of folks are starting with a cold shower or a tub of ice water.

And here’s the twist: cold plunge clubs are popping up. Yeah, people are turning this into a group thing. It’s not just about the cold anymore—it’s about connection, too.

What People Want from Wellness Right Now

So what are today’s wellness consumers (aka most of us) actually looking for? It’s pretty simple:

Stuff that fits into our routines. No one has time for 90-minute regimens.
Things that are made for us, not the average person.
Clear, honest info—no mystery ingredients or BS claims.
Community. Because it’s easier to stick to habits when someone else is doing it with you.

More people are mixing DIY health tools (like apps and at-home tests) with proper medical advice. It’s not either/or—it’s both.

Making Wellness Work Without Going Overboard

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all this, don’t be. Wellness doesn’t have to mean completely changing your life. Start small. Here’s a solid approach:

Pick one area to focus on—sleep, stress, diet, whatever matters most.
Do a little research. Don’t just buy the first shiny thing you see.
Test and track. Write down how you feel. Try stuff out. Pay attention to what’s working.
Find people who care about the same things. It makes a difference.

Bottom Line: It’s About What Actually Works for You

At the end of the day, this isn’t about trends or numbers—it’s about what makes you feel better and keeps you feeling better.

The average American is spending over $6,000 a year on wellness products and services, but you don’t need to spend that to make a difference. What matters most is consistency.

So forget what everyone else is doing. The question is: what wellness habit could actually make your life better this year?