David Ho predicts some of the big wellness trends expected in 2026
It’s the start of 2026 and the “new year, new me” buzz is particularly strong this time of the year. But make no mistake, it’s not just a January thing. Wellness is here to stay. In fact, consultancy firm McKinsey & Company’s Future of Wellness report expects the US$2 trillion global wellness industry to grow even more.
Millennials and Gen Z will lead the way in wellness
Younger generations especially are increasingly prioritizing wellness. Nearly 30 percent of Gen Zers (people born between 1997 and 2012) and millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) surveyed by McKinsey report prioritizing wellness “a lot more” compared with one year ago, versus up to 23 percent of older generations. Higher rates of burnout and more exposure to wellness on social media have been attributed to the rise.
To these two generations of consumers, wellness has become a daily and personalized practice rather than a set of occasional activities or purchases. So expect them to invest in memberships and products that will be part of their daily routine. Hong Kong’s biggest gym chain Pure recently extended its offerings beyond just gym or yoga classes. Its new Re:set studio include a Re:vive zone with recliners that combine red light therapy, compression therapy, and zero gravity. We expect more companies to come up with wellness packages that cater to a holistic view of health to remain relevant to consumers.
GLP-1 weight loss drugs to stay
Whether you find it alarming or a modern miracle, there is no denying we live in the era of Ozempic. The GLP-1 receptor agonist was originally intended to treat diabetics, its appetite supressing ability has been co-opted by many as a weight loss solution. A recent study found that 50 percent of people who went off GLP-1 weight loss drugs would regain the weight within a year. So, it’s clear that many will stay on the bandwagon.
Healthy ageing to trend
On a more wholesome level, healthy ageing is also set to be a trend. Up to 60 percent of consumers across markets report have marked healthy aging as a “top” or “very important” priority, according to McKinsey. Wellness is not just for the fit and swole, but for everyone. Longevity products and services will cover everything from beauty, mental health, disease prevention, and even mobility. There is a need for them, and the appeal cuts across all age demographics. The challenge will be companies to market them without turning off any groups.
More food alternatives to emerge
A few years ago, Impossible Meat was all the rage. But the conversation has moved beyond simply meat alternatives now. People seeking a healthier are looking for substitutes that still pack the flavours they love. With knowledge about gut health becoming more prevalent, stomach-friendly substitutes will be on the rise as well.
Despite the boom of dairy products across Asia, studies have found that as many as 92 percent of adults in China cannot process lactose. Companies like Kingland International have come up with products, like Kingland Dairy Free Yoghurt. Made from Australian‑grown, non‑GMO soybeans, the yoghurt retains the indulgent creaminess of traditional yoghurt while remaining free from dairy, lactose, cholesterol, and gluten. The range is enriched with live probiotics and fortified with calcium to make it a great plant‑based treat.
It’s not just health foods getting the rejig either. Recently, Carlsberg brewery extended its No & Low – Alcohol Range and Beyond Beer product collection for Dry January. The flagship product is the Carlsberg 0.0 that comes with all the flavour of their beer, but no alcohol or sugar. We expect healthier alternatives to emerge for more of our favourite food and beverages in 2026.
Wellness travel to grow and cater to niche needs
Nearly 60 percent of consumers who travelled for health and wellness treatments expect to travel for these treatments in the next year, according to McKinsey’s survey. Whether it’s to enrol for a digital detox, a yoga retreat, or a Hyrox competition, there many reasons one would travel for wellness. We’ve already visited and experienced how resorts like Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang, are leaning in heavy on wellness as an attraction.
McKinsey expects companies to come up with more tailored offerings. Some of these niches to come can be wellness coach check ins, digitally enabled interventions (such as sleep tracking), and “edutainment” camps (like menopause-focused retreats that teach women about hormonal health accompanied by treatments).
Also see: #review: A quick and convenient wellness retreat lies in Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang
