Wellness industry growth driven by aging and middle class
The wellness industry is rapidly growing in the United States, with nearly 90% of Americans taking some form of dietary supplement. The global nutrition market is currently valued at $6.4 trillion, making it larger than the pharmaceutical industry, which is worth $1.6 trillion. Several factors are driving this growth. First, the aging population is a significant contributor. By 2030, about 1.4 billion people worldwide will be over the age of 60, and this number is set to reach 2.1 billion by 2050. Secondly, the global middle class is growing. Today, 4 billion people belong to this group, and this number is expected to rise to 5.3 billion by 2030. This demographic tends to be older and wealthier, making them prime consumers of wellness products. Additionally, social media plays a crucial role. As of January 2025, there are approximately 5.24 billion social media users globally, which is about 63.9% of the world’s population. Users spend an average of over two hours a day on these platforms, where they are exposed to various health products and advice. Despite this boom, the wellness industry faces criticism for a lack of regulation. Many products do not perform as promised. As consumers become more educated about health and wellness, it is important for them to seek reliable information to make informed choices.