Health and Wellbeing Trends for 2026
Last year we were all tracking our sleep scores, jumping into cold plunges, and stocking up on electrolyte water. Some trends have been genuinely helpful (hello walking clubs and gut health awareness), others decidedly niche (looking at you, red light therapy panels in every bedroom), so what does 2026 have in store for us? Here are my top predictions for the year ahead, from the fun to the genuinely life-changing, and what I make of them as your GP.
Bring on 2026!
Longevity: The New Anti-Ageing
Forget fighting wrinkles. 2026 is all about "healthspan" over lifespan. The conversation has shifted from looking younger to staying active, independent, and mentally sharp well into our later years. We're talking strength training to build what some are calling your "old lady body," collagen supplements, protein timing, and anti-inflammatory eating patterns that might help you maintain muscle mass and cognitive function as you age.
What I make of it: Finally, a trend I can fully get behind! Nearly 70% of UK consumers reported increasing their spending in longevity-related wellness over the past year, which tells me people are thinking long-term about their health. Resistance training is evidence-based and crucial for maintaining bone density and muscle mass as we age, which can prevent falls and maintain independence. That said, you don't need expensive supplements or biohacking gadgets to age well. Regular exercise, good sleep, strong social connections, and a balanced diet remain the pillars. If "longevity" gets more people moving and thinking preventatively, I'm all for it. Just don't get sucked into miracle supplements without evidence behind them.
Ultra-Processed Foods: The Reckoning
UPFs are having their tobacco moment. Presently making up 57% of the UK diet, ultra-processed foods are being linked to obesity, cancer, type 2 diabetes, depression, dementia and tooth decay. Expect to see more people cooking from scratch, scrutinising food labels with detective-level intensity, and perhaps even some regulatory changes on the horizon.
What I make of it: This is serious, and it's about time. 64.5% of adults in England are now overweight or living with obesity, up from 61.2% in 2015-2016. The link between UPFs and chronic disease is becoming clearer, and whilst I don't want to shame anyone for their food choices (especially when healthy food can be more expensive and time-consuming), I do think education is crucial. Learning to read labels, understanding what counts as ultra-processed (hint: it's not just crisps and fizzy drinks), and gradually shifting toward more whole foods where possible can make a real difference. But remember, perfection isn't the goal. Progress is.
Fibre February (And Beyond)
Move over protein obsession. Fibre is finally getting its moment in the spotlight. Despite having the power to boost your gut microbiome and reduce your risk of bowel cancer and type 2 diabetes, 91% of us aren't eating enough fibre, with the UK's average intake at 18g compared to the recommended 30g.
What I make of it: This is one trend I'm genuinely excited about! Fibre is the unsung hero of nutrition. It's linked to everything from better gut health to reduced cancer risk, yet we're chronically under-consuming it. The fix is actually quite simple and doesn't require expensive supplements: beans, lentils, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Start gradually if you're not used to high-fibre foods (your gut will thank you), and remember that diversity matters. Aim for 30 different plant foods per week if you can. Yes, herbs and spices count!
Wearable Tech 2.0: Your Body as Data
Wearable tech is getting even more advanced in 2025, with AI-optimised workouts and devices that can track everything from heart rate variability to glucose levels and stress markers. Your smart ring now knows more about your sleep than you do, and sharing biometrics online has become normalised in wellness communities.
What I make of it: As a GP, I have mixed feelings. On one hand, these devices can provide valuable insights and help people become more engaged with their health. On the other hand, they can create anxiety, particularly when people become overly fixated on metrics rather than how they actually feel. A "poor" sleep score can become a self-fulfilling prophecy that makes you more stressed about sleep. Use these tools as guides, not gospel. If the data helps you make positive changes, great. If it's causing anxiety or obsessive behaviour, step back. Your body's own signals (energy levels, mood, how you feel during exercise) are also valid data points.
Somatic Wellness: Healing Through the Body
Talk therapy is being joined, and sometimes replaced, by body-based healing practices. Breathwork, cold plunges, and sound baths are filling gyms, group classes, and corporate wellness programmes, driven partly by disillusionment with conventional approaches.
What I make of it: There's solid science behind some of these practices. Breathwork can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and help manage stress and anxiety. Cold water immersion has been shown to boost mood through endorphin release. Sound baths and somatic experiencing may help some people process trauma. However, these shouldn't replace evidence-based treatments for serious mental health conditions. Think of them as complementary tools, not alternatives to proper medical care. And please, if you're considering cold water therapy, start gradually and check with your GP if you have any heart conditions.
The Serious Stuff: Mental Health in Crisis
Now for the sobering reality check. Approximately 1 in 4 adults in England experience a mental health problem each year, with young women aged 16-24 at highest risk with 28.2% experiencing a common mental disorder. 20% of children aged 8-16 have a probable mental disorder in 2023, up from 12% in 2017. In 2023, there were 6,069 suicides registered in England and Wales, the highest rate since 1999.
What I make of it: These statistics should alarm us all. The mental health crisis, particularly among young people, is worsening, not improving. The cost of poor mental health is calculated at £300 billion a year in England. Whilst wellness trends like digital detoxes and mindfulness are helpful, they're not enough to address the systemic issues: social media harm, cost of living pressures, social isolation, and inadequate mental health services. 66.5% of those referred to talking therapies are women, with women outnumbering men in every local area, suggesting men particularly need better support and encouragement to seek help. If you're struggling, please reach out to your GP, use the NHS talking therapies service (you can self-refer), or contact support services like Samaritans. Wellness trends can support mental health, but they're not a substitute for proper treatment when you need it.
The Fun Stuff: Wild Wellness
Wild swimming continues to dominate, with the UK home to over 400 sites and 27 new locations designated as bathing waters this year. Walking clubs are trending with searches for 'local walking groups' up by 300%. Community saunas are popping up, especially in Scotland's coastline, and pilgrimage-style long-distance walks are attracting new generations looking for slow, meaningful travel.
What I make of it: This is the trend that brings me the most joy! As a GP, I see the power of community and nature-based activities daily. These trends combine physical activity, social connection, exposure to nature, and often cold water therapy. All evidence-based wellness boosters. Best of all, most are free or low-cost. Wild swimming groups, walking clubs, and outdoor activities can help combat the loneliness epidemic whilst improving both physical and mental health. Just please, check water quality before swimming and never swim alone if you're new to it.
Remote Personal Training: Fitness That Fits Your Life
Remote personal training ranks as the top fitness trend for 2025, with a 414% spike in interest over the past year, driven by busy lifestyles and the desire for personalised training at convenient times.
What I make of it: Post-pandemic, we've realised that fitness doesn't have to mean expensive gym memberships. If online training helps you move more regularly and work with qualified professionals who understand your goals, that's fantastic. The key word is "qualified." Make sure anyone training you has proper credentials. For many people, the barrier to exercise isn't motivation but logistics: childcare, work schedules, gym anxiety. If training from home removes those barriers, brilliant.
The Bottom Line
With January around the corner, if you're becoming increasingly curious about wellness trends for 2026, I'd encourage you to ask yourself three questions before jumping on any bandwagon: Is it evidence-based? Is it sustainable for my lifestyle and budget? And most importantly, will it genuinely improve my health and happiness, or am I chasing an unrealistic ideal?
The best "trend" for 2026? The same boring, brilliant basics that have always worked: move your body regularly, eat mostly whole foods, prioritise sleep, nurture relationships, manage stress, and see your GP for preventative care. Everything else is just (admittedly sometimes helpful) noise.
Stay well, and here's to a healthier, happier 2026.
