The biggest health and wellness trends we'll see in 2024

Holistic health is on the rise

As we embark on another year, our approach to health and wellness is set to transform, guided by expert-backed, data-driven science. Here are the biggest trends we expect to see in the new year. 

The health and wellness industry has never been a stagnant one. 

From juice cleanses and prolonged fasts to TikTok-viral fitness challenges that leave our bodies aching, we have braved the fluctuating wellness industry for years, leaping into the latest ‘health hacks’ with unwavering determination. 

But, like most seasonal fads, it’s usually not long before we tire of the taste of quinoa, or resent the grating tone of our 5 AM alarm clock. Now, after road-testing every workout, recipe and routine the fitness and wellness industry has offered us, we find ourselves on the cusp of a new year, ready to take the reins of our health with renewed purpose. 

Inspired by the growing popularity of holistic health goals, while being backed by data-driven and expert-led science, 2024 is set to be the year of personalised wellness. With mindful nutrition, movement and mental rejuvenation at the forefront of the new year, here are the health trends set to redefine the industry.  

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#1. Being proactive with our mental wellness

When it comes to well-being, 2024 is set to inspire individuals to shift their problem-focused aspirations and goals, towards a more holistic and optimistic approach. Given the myriad of psychological and physiological health benefits linked to a positive outlook, it’s no surprise one of the biggest forecasted health goals for next year is ‘happiness’. 

According to Luke McLeod, founder of the meditation platform Soul Alive, the pandemic-induced trials and tribulations we all experienced over the last few years have inspired us to reprioritise our mental health. 

“If you prioritise your mental health first, this builds a strong foundation for any other goal you set,” he says. “Although you may 'look good' on the outside, this doesn't mean you're healthy on the inside. It doesn't matter how many times you go to the gym, if you don't prioritise your mental health, you're still going to be unhealthy.”

So what will this holistic approach to well-being look like in the new year? As experts predict, some already flourishing trends will continue to gain traction, each promoting the establishment of strong mental habits before all else. 

The continued growth of the non-alcoholic beverage market, mind gyms, micro-holidays and cognitive function-optimised diets will lead the wellness industry next year, supporting a mindset-first approach amongst Aussies. 

The holistic approach to wellness will see many trends overlap and work in harmony. Image: Pexels

#2. Redefining romance and intimacy

Despite living in the age of online dating, where new (albeit short-lived) connections are only a swipe away, experts predict 2024 will see individuals and couples reprioritising sustainable intimacy.  

Rather than upgrading our romantic partnerships, seeking the excitement of what is ‘new’, the new year will see us refurbishing our existing relationships, allowing unrestrained intimacy to flourish from the strengthened foundations. 

According to Cam Fraser, a sex and relationship expert from Arcwave, the key to couples experiencing renewed intimacy in 2024 is investing in quality time, not simply physical connection, “Explicitly scheduling 'sex' can create unnecessary pressure and expectation, while 'quality time' creates openness and space for creativity and intuition,” he says. 

To assist this shift towards prioritising connection, Fraser encourages couples to use the fresh template of the new year to set some guiding intimacy resolutions, “One way of working towards this is by scheduling regular 'quality time' where they focus solely on each other, exploring new ways of expressing affection, learning about each other's evolving needs and desires, and openly communicating about sexual preferences and fantasies.”

The new year is set to favour customisable, wholefood diet plans over restrictive calorie counting. Image: Unsplash

#3. Personalised and science-backed nutrition

One of the most influential aspects of our health and wellness is how we choose to fuel our bodies. In 2024, personalised and customisable nutrition is set to replace cut-and-dry diet plans and calorie counting, again supporting the rise of holistic health. 

Alongside this personalised approach, we are set to see a shift towards bio-hacking the body and understanding the influence of the gut, a trend Nutritionist Steph Lowe says will no doubt be a major step towards increasing our longevity and quality of life. 

“Personalised plans are important to be eating adequate calories and macronutrients for your unique biochemistry and goals,” the nutrition expert from Cell Squared explains. “Beyond food, we must nourish our nervous system and vagus nerve, support our circadian rhythm and move closer to an ancestral way of life.”

Supporting the overarching theme of bio-hacking the body, the experts predict the new year will see a surge in gut-friendly foods such as fermented foods, prebiotics, and probiotics, and more eco-conscious food choices, such as a reduction in food waste and a rise in sustainable agriculture. 

The connection between mind and body is predicted to be a priority within the fitness sector next year. Image: iStock

#4. Embracing data-driven fitness

The wearable tech market is set to soar in 2024, reflecting consumers' growing appetite for innovation. No matter how people choose to move their bodies, they want to be connected seamlessly with experts every day, taking the reins of their health into their own hands, 

As Ben Lucas, director of Flow Athletic, shares, a shift from heavily taxing workouts towards more nourishing, holistic ones is also expected to gain more traction next year. 

“As we head into 2024 we have noticed another shift with more members being interested in mindfulness, breathwork, mindset and hybrid classes that involve a flow or mobility style workout with breathwork and meditation blended into it,” Lucas says. 

Cameron Falloon, founder of BFT echoes the fitness forecast, predicting Aussies are set to ditch the ‘go hard or go home’ mentality in the new year, “That means training in a place where they can embrace the community as much as the workout, somewhere with multiple modalities and ways of training, and the potential for recovery as well.” he says. 

He adds that the rising gamification of wearable technology will continue to keep active users engaged and invested in their health, rewarding milestones and helping people to shape and work towards their fitness goals. 

Originally published as The biggest health and wellness trends we'll see in 2024