5 Healthcare Trends in 2024

Cultural shifts in weight loss, leveraging technology in personal healthcare, and a drive for longevity are key trends in 2024.

The fallout from Covid-19, combined with the economic downturn and the rapid rise of technology, has changed the landscape of healthcare for both patients and doctors. After three years of the pandemic, the world is looking to take care of health from within, especially mental health, to live a long life.

The culture of weight loss is changing.

Experts say 2024 will be the year weight loss trends centered on pills like Ozempic rise, with many celebrities around the world making them more popular.

“Ozempic will have a bigger ripple effect in the food, beverage and supplement markets in 2024,” said Frank Jaksch, CEO of active ingredients company Ayana Bio.

He also hopes snack makers and fast food chains will offer small, healthy, nutritious portions that match changing preferences, appealing to the wave of health-conscious consumers every day.

After a few years of moving away from diet culture and toward the “body positivity” movement, attitudes may be shifting. A recent Forbes Health survey found that the top goal for 2024 has returned to physical health. Some people said they’re putting a premium on exercise after a few years of mental health taking the top spot.

Leveraging Technology in Healthcare

Millions of Americans have been using smartwatches to track their fitness, sleep, and health metrics for the past few years. Experts predict that by 2024, the use of technology, especially wearable devices, in healthcare will explode.

“Smartwatches continue to go beyond monitoring. They’re adding more screening features to alert you to health issues before they become more serious,” predicts Christine Lemke, co-founder and CEO of health data company Evidation.

Leveraging technology in personal healthcare will be one of the key trends in 2024. Photo: Freepik — Leveraging technology in personal healthcare will be one of the key trends in 2024. Photo: *Freepik*

Science in medicine

Medical misinformation will persist in 2024, but experts say consumers will be more conscious of building a healthcare strategy based on clinical research.

According to Mindbody and ClassPass' annual predictions report, consumers expect products and services to be based on concrete evidence of performance.

By 2024, people will be more knowledgeable about the health products they use and consume, the report says. Many will prioritize opinions from experts with specialized knowledge. Forecasters believe the same will happen with health-focused social media.

“Awareness of the negative impact of social media on mental health may lead young people to approach online content more mindfully,” said Nicholette Leanza, clinical advisor at LifeStance Health.

As a result, they trust opinions from licensed professionals, rather than influencers.

Increase focus on social connection

According to experts, the human desire for connection will increase in 2024, especially after years of pandemic and lockdown affecting mental health.

Social activities will be more valued than ever before, said Bob Wright, director of lifestyle education at Hilton Head Health. Isolation increases stress, which causes inflammation. It also increases the risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. People experiencing this will crave healthier social interactions.

Team sports bring people together, allowing them to have fun while getting a full-body workout, says Teddy Savage, national head trainer at Planet Fitness.

Leanza has also seen a growing demand for in-person therapy sessions, especially among Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2015). The shift reflects a desire for authentic, engaging therapy experiences that take advantage of the benefits of face-to-face interaction.

Towards longevity

Long-term, sustainable health trends such as veganism, sleep hygiene and gut health have become increasingly popular in the past two years, reflecting the desire to live longer and live longer. Experts also say this will remain a top priority in 2024.

David Chesworth, exercise physiologist at Hilton Head Health, says health trends in the coming years will continue to be related to longevity and the ability to take care of yourself.

“Overall, the concept of longevity has been, is, and continues to be a hot topic. In fact, many of the trends mentioned earlier that have emerged in the past few years have become more popular because of this,” he said.

In addition to nutrition and sleep, some people turn to exercise to help them live longer. According to a report by Mindbody and ClassPass, nearly 30% of consumers said they would start exercising with the specific goal of living a longer, healthier life.

Thermotherapy is a growing trend where practitioners combine methods using both hot and cold. The healing and restorative treatments have even found their way into the tourism industry. The idea is to focus on health and well-being.

“Many people look for trips that combine exercise like yoga, breathing techniques, skill development, recreation, self-care, to help them age gracefully and stress-free,” says Chesworth.

Thuc Linh (According to CBS News, Yahoo News, Fortune )

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