This growing reliance on digital health solutions highlights a shift toward more proactive and data-informed approaches to personal health management, Ewa Hudson, head of insights at Lumina Intelligence, told NutraIngredients.
“The data shows that consumers aren’t just logging steps or calories, they’re becoming more informed and intentional about their health choices,” she said.
“And with mobile apps and fitness trackers delivering data-driven insights, users are naturally gravitating toward personalized health solutions.”
How many use tech to track health and fitness?
Around 57% of the surveyed population, including participants in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, the USA, China, Japan, and South Korea, now actively uses technology to track their health and fitness, a statistic that reflects a broader trend toward digital engagement in personal wellness.
The widespread adoption of health tech also signals an evolution in how society views wellness, with a notable shift from reactive care to preventive and holistic approaches, Hudson explained. It reflects a cultural change where staying healthy is not just a goal but a continuous, technology-supported practice.
How does the use of health tech change with age?
According to the data, younger adults are significantly more engaged with health and fitness technology than older age groups.
As many as 79% of individuals ages 18 to 24 actively use health apps, fitness trackers, or similar tools, closely followed by 78% in the 25-to-34 age group.
However, this enthusiasm steadily declines with age, dropping to 69% among those aged 35 to 44, 55% in the 45-to-54 group and only 42% in the 55-to-64 bracket. Among seniors 65 years and over, just 32% report using technology tracking, highlighting a sharp contrast in digital health engagement across generations.
How frequently do we buy App-recommended products?
More than half (54%) of health and fitness app users actively purchase app-recommended products, such as supplements, sports nutrition items or meal plans, at least once a year.
A significant 33% make these purchases monthly, while another 47% do so quarterly, showing that many users turn to these apps for regular guidance and trusted product suggestions.
The data highlights that users are not just engaging with health-tracking apps, they are consistently acting on their recommendations, demonstrating the powerful influence these platforms have on consumer behavior.
Which health areas are being tracked digitally?
Digital health tracking is most prevalent in the fitness category, with 39% of respondents actively monitoring their physical activity through digital tools.
Overall health follows at 28%, and 24% of consumers surveyed use digital platforms to manage their nutritional intake.
Mental health is not far behind, as 19% track their mind and mood digitally. However, more specialized areas like ovulation tracking and menopause support see significantly lower engagement.
Which health and fitness apps are most popular?
MyFitnessPal: Calorie Counter leads the pack as the most popular health and fitness app, used by 16% of respondents. Close behind, Fitbit claims 13% of users.
Apps promoting mental wellness also rank high, with Calm favored by 10% of users and Headspace used by 5%. Strava appeals to 9% of the market, while Nike Training Club captures 6%. Interestingly, Fitbit Premium, Peloton, and Keep maintain steady popularity, each drawing in between 4% to 5% of users.
Rounding out the list is the Daily Yoga app with 3%, indicating a niche following.
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