Wellness Takes on a More Holistic Meaning for Younger Filipinos

“Gen Zs and Millennials truly stand out in the way they approach wellness – with intention and commitment. This can be seen through the growing popularity of run clubs and pickleball communities in the country[1] where younger consumers actively seek opportunities to improve their health and connect with like-minded communities in recent years. Their commitment to wellness is not only driving positive outcomes in the near term but also laying the foundation for them to lead healthier and more meaningful lives in the longer term. The future of wellness will not be built through individual effort alone. Younger generations increasingly look to both their physical and digital communities for motivation, guidance and accountability as they work towards their health goals. In the Philippines, we see this being reflected through the increasing number of pickleball courts and club[2], which bring people together around shared wellness aspirations and experiences. Whether through fitness groups, wellness communities or online networks, these connections are helping to turn healthy intentions into lasting habits and making wellbeing a more integrated part of everyday life.” ~Kinki Lau, General Manager, Herbalife Philippines

Herbalife, a leading health and wellness company, community, and platform, has released new findings from its Asia Pacific Wellness Culture Survey 2026, highlighting a notable generational shift in how people across the region understand and pursue wellness.

The findings show that Gen Z and Millennials are embracing a more intentional and holistic approach to wellbeing, giving greater importance not only to physical health but also to mental, emotional, and social wellness. More than half of younger consumers surveyed also reported experiencing tangible improvements in their overall wellbeing compared with three years ago.

This changing perspective is also reflected in everyday behavior. Younger consumers are increasingly turning their wellness goals into consistent lifestyle habits, incorporating activities that support healthier routines into their daily lives.

In the Philippines, 79% of Gen Z respondents and 76% of Millennials said they participate in wellness activities more frequently than they did three years ago. Both figures are higher than the 74% country average, suggesting that younger Filipinos are becoming increasingly proactive about their wellbeing.

Gen Zs Redefining What Better Wellbeing Looks Like

While Gen Z Filipinos report stronger wellbeing outcomes than older generations, they are also setting higher expectations for what it means to feel truly well. Mental wellbeing and stress management lead their list of areas for improvement at 53%, followed by sleep quality at 45%, emotional wellbeing at 40%, and nutrition at 37%.

More importantly, these priorities are already translating into action. Among Gen Z Filipinos, 53% say they have improved their sleep habits, while 47% are making healthier food choices and cutting back on unhealthy habits. The findings point to a generation willing to build consistent habits that support long-term wellbeing rather than simply pursuing short-term health goals.

Gen Z is also helping broaden the definition of wellness itself. Mental health ranks as the area where Gen Z Filipinos feel the greatest need for additional support at 68%, ahead of physical health at 62% and emotional health at 57%.

This differs from older generations, including Gen X and Boomers, who continue to place greater emphasis on physical health. The contrast highlights a growing shift toward holistic wellness, where physical, mental, and emotional health are viewed as interconnected parts of a healthier life.

For Gen Z, wellbeing is increasingly about having the right support systems, resources, and communities to sustain progress across all these areas—not simply focusing on one aspect of health.

Digital Communities Play a Growing Role in Gen Z’s Pursuit of Wellness

For Gen Z Filipinos, wellness is increasingly influenced by both the physical spaces they live in and the digital communities they engage with. Over the past 12 months, more than half said social media had a positive effect on their physical wellbeing (63%), emotional wellbeing (58%), and mental wellbeing (55%).

Their communities extend beyond social platforms. Social circles (65%) and online communities (47%) also play a meaningful role in helping Gen Z develop and maintain healthier habits.

Millennials, meanwhile, place greater weight on their personal relationships. Friends and family are their strongest sources of influence, particularly when it comes to emotional wellbeing at 64%, followed closely by mental wellbeing at 62%.

The findings highlight an interesting generational distinction. Both Gen Z and Millennials recognize the importance of connection and community in maintaining wellness, but the way they access that support differs. Gen Z is increasingly turning to digital communities for motivation, information, and encouragement, while Millennials continue to lean more strongly on the people closest to them.