10 health trends destined to define 2023

Published on: 7 February. Written by: Olivia Matsell With 2023 well and truly underway and New Year’s resolutions no doubt a thing of the past for most people - around 80%, according to research – these are the health trends that are here to stay in 2023.  

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Spurred on by innovation and an insatiable thirst for taking ownership of our health and wellbeing as a nation, wellness trends are showing no signs of slowing down in 2023. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the sector is now worth up to £2.8 trillion worldwide. Data suggests that British consumers were predicted to spend £487 per head on “wellness” last year alone.  One major driver of this is smarter technology. People are increasingly using it to integrate healthy habits into their daily lives – be it subscribing to fitness apps, adopting mindfulness tech, or embracing wearables to track physical activity.  With new year’s resolutions now a distant memory for many people, here are 10 health trends – some new, others less so – that we predict will take 2023 by storm. 

1. Healthcare closer to home

While its uptake was largely spurred on by the pandemic, virtual and remote healthcare is clearly here to stay and not going away. Offering greater convenience and accessibility, it can be ideal for those living in remote areas or for those who are less able to leave their homes.  Online GP appointments, virtual therapy and remote cancer treatment are just a few ways digital healthcare has developed and been embraced by many. Research shows this is expected to grow further this year as more people turn to digital solutions for their healthcare needs. We're also seeing more people working out at home using fitness apps, which is a great way to help prevent illness occurring in the first place.    'When I think of the future of healthcare, I think of healthcare being delivered your way,' reflects Vitality’s Deputy Head Chief Medical Officer, Dr Anushka Patchava.  'Through offering end-to-end holistic support, I envision there’ll be more access points, from texting to video calls to retail and local care centres, in addition to hospitals and other forms of care.' 

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2. Personalised nutrition

As our understanding of the human microbiome and its impact on our overall health continues to evolve, personalised nutrition plans that take into account our individual genetics and gut health factors are becoming increasingly popular.   The National Institute of Health (NIH) describes the human microbiome as the community of “microorganisms that live in or on a particular part of the body", such as the skin or gastrointestinal tract (the gut).  Nutrigenomics, the study of how genes interact with nutrition, has become more prevalent, and companies are starting to offer personalised nutrition plans based on an individual's DNA. These plans consider the whole you, from your gut bacteria, eating habits, lifestyle and more in order to support you making positive food choices. 

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As a Vitality member, you could get up to 25% cashback on Waitrose & Partners Good Health food when you get active. If you have a second qualifying health insurance or life insurance plan, you could get up to 40% cash- back. A monthly spend cap applies. Excludes beverages. Log in to Member Zone for the details.

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3. Embracing digital therapy

As stigma around it lessens, mental health will continue to be a major focus in 2023, as more people recognise the practical benefits of addressing their emotional and psychological wellbeing. Therapy, meanwhile, is fast becoming more accepted as a form of mental hygiene, as well as a form of treatment.  Demand for it is also increasing. Between 2015 and 2021, Vitality member data shows a threefold increase in the number of mental claims, much of this driven by requests for Talking Therapies support.   ‘A therapist will hear your story with empathy and without judgement,’ says Belinda Sidhu, Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing at Vitality. ‘They provide a safe, contained space for you to explore and process challenging, sometimes upsetting, thoughts and feelings, and develop better strategies to cope.’  From online therapy and support groups to at-home brain-training apps offering cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), there are a wide range of digital solutions to help individuals manage every-day challenges and help maintain a healthy life balance.

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Recommended articles:

• Jonny Wilkinson on finding happiness in who we really are
• Kirsten’s story: My cervical cancer diagnosis and the importance of smear tests
• 7 types of therapy (and how they could help you)

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Vitality health insurance offers members up to eight online or face-to-face Talking Therapy sessions each year, including counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).    Members should log into Member Zone to visit the mental health hub. Visit www.vitality.co.uk to become a member.

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4. Integrative medicine

As more people seek out holistic and natural approaches to healthcare, we will be hearing more about integrative medicine in 2023. This approach combines conventional medicine with complementary and alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, and herbal medicine.   Integrative medicine, which is defined as using an evidence-based approach and combination of therapies to achieve optimal health and healing, believes in treating a person holistically, not just treating the symptoms of a disease, using the least invasive and most natural treatments first.  Healthcare professionals that practice this form of medicine include physicians, chiropractic doctors, acupuncturists, nutritionists, yoga practitioners, and many more.

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5. Wearable and sleep technology

Wearable and sleep technology has come a long way in recent years and is expected to develop further this year. The importance of getting a good night's sleep is becoming more widely recognised and new technology can help improve just that.  From smartwatches and fitness trackers to clothes and jewellery embedded with health-tracking sensors, these devices will become more advanced and more widely used, allowing people to monitor everything from their heart rate and sleep patterns to stress levels and hydration.   With the increasing amount of data collected by wearables, more companies are starting to use artificial intelligence to analyse the data and provide personalised recommendations. Wearable and sleep technology can help individuals better understand their health and make more informed decisions about their wellbeing. 

6. The rise of the cyclists 

With the cost-of-living crisis, climate concerns, and unaffordable travel costs, the #bikelife movement has gone up a few gears in the last year and is predicted to grow more in 2023. Researchers from Mintel show bike and e-bikes sales reach a UK high of £1.25bn, £400m higher than 2019.   With cycle to work schemes and a new government pilot project funding initiatives like bike classes and free bike loans, on prescription via a GP, jumping on a narrow seat has never been so tempting.

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As a Vitality member, earn up to 25% off a new Specialized bike, Turbo e-Bike, and equipment.  No matter your age or skill level, you can find a Specialized bike to suit you, and save money on it too. Vitality members with Silver status, can get 25% off a bike or 15% off a Turbo e-Bike with qualifying health insurance and life insurance plans. If you purchase equipment along with your new bike, you can take 25% off that as well. Or 15% off if you choose to buy later.   Log in to Member Zone for details. Discount is for specialized.com. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply.

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7. Health and wellness tourism

Even during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, health and wellness tourism is likely to remain popular. From silent retreats in Bali to spa vacations in the Maldives, people are investing more and more time and money into holidays solely designed to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. The Global Wellness Institute predicts that wellness tourism will grow 21% annually through to 2025, while a survey in 2021 by American Express showed that 76% of respondents want to spend more on travel to improve their wellbeing. A survey by Accenture showed that, by February last year, 39% of respondents had already booked a luxury wellness trip for 2023.  This type of tourism can include activities such as yoga, meditation, spa treatments, and fitness programmes, as well as adventure activities such as hiking and surfing. 

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As a Vitality member, you could get discounts with our travel partners including Mr & Mrs Smith. Available with qualifying health insurance and life insurance plans. Log in to Member Zone for the details. 

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8. Plant-based diets

Plant-based diets, which include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes, are becoming increasingly popular as more people wake up to their health benefits. Research from World Cancer Research Fund suggests that aiming for 30 different plant-based foods each week can help us have a more diverse gut microbiome compared to those who eat less than 10 a week.  A 2019 study also showed that plant-based diets have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. As more people are becoming interested in plant-based diets, more restaurants are starting to include vegetarian and vegan options on their menus, making it easier for individuals to find plant-based options when dining out. 

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9. Mindfulness and meditation

Mindfulness and meditation practices have been gaining popularity in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue.   According to Vitality wellbeing expert Belinda Sidhu, mindfulness is a 'quality'. 'It’s about being fully engaged in the present moment in whatever it is we are doing, sensing or feeling without any interpretation or judgement,' she explains. 'There are many benefits to practicing mindfulness. It can help to relieve stress and anxiety. It can also help to increase our sleep focus and concentration.'  From guided meditation apps to in-person classes, there are a variety of resources available to help individuals learn and practice mindfulness and meditation, such as Headspace. 

10. Digital detoxing

Almost out of necessity, digital detoxing is a becoming a common practice for many people. All of us are bombarded by technology these days, so it’s no surprise that more people are taking time out from it to improve their overall wellbeing.  This can take various forms, such as disconnecting from the internet, social media, limiting screen time, or avoiding all technology for a set period of time. During this detox, people might opt to read a book, spend time in nature, do some exercise, or engage in a hobby that doesn’t involve a screen or smart phone.   By reducing stress, encouraging mindfulness and improving our overall mood, evidence shows that a digital detox can have numerous benefits that help people lead a happier, healthier life.

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At Vitality, we’re all about encouraging our members to make small positive lifestyle choices that can make a big impact to their lives.    That’s why we offer partner benefits and rewards with a range of big brands when you get healthy.    Log into Member Zone or visit vitality.co.uk to find out more.  

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How to earn Vitality Active points

As a Vitality member, you could get discounts on a range of  fitness trackers. Available with qualifying  health insurance  and  life insurance plans.   Once you’ve chosen your device, you can link it to your Vitality account through the app and start earning active points today.    And did  you know that your phone is tracking your steps? You’re already doing the hard work, so why not get rewarded for it. It takes just two minutes to  connect your phone today  and start  earning rewards.   So, what are you waiting for? Start earning your points by logging into  Member Zone  today.    

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