Exercising More Regularly Is a Top Priority, Per Survey

Exercising more regularly during the next six months to improve their health and wellness is a top priority for 48 percent of respondents to a survey by Thorne HealthTech, a wellness company.

The survey is the basis for the 2021 Wellth Report, which explores how the health and wellness priorities of consumers have shifted during COVID-19.

Forty-four percent say losing weight is their top priority while 40 percent say improving nutrition, 39 percent say improving sleep quality, 37 percent say reducing stress, 35 percent say improving energy, 31 percent say reducing anxiety and 10 percent saying reducing screen time.

Exercise was the top method for how respondents say they plan to improve their stress levels during the next six months with 49 percent citing exercising more often while 48 percent said eating healthier, 39 percent said more self-care, 28 percent said more meditation or mindfulness, 23 percent said dietary supplement or vitamins, and 20 percent said prescription medications.  

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted socialization and mental health more than physical health, nutrition and sleep, according to the survey.

Socialization was negatively impacted by the pandemic for 51 percent of those surveyed while 16 percent said the pandemic had a positive impact. Forty-three percent said it negatively impacted their mental health while 17 percent said it positively affected it.

In comparison, 29 percent said their sleep was negatively affected, 25 percent said their physical health was impacted and 19 percent said their nutrition was impacted.

Eight-nine percent of those surveyed have tried to improve at least one aspect of their health in the past 12 months.

Seventy-four percent have tried improving their physical health, 72 percent their nutrition, 66 percent their sleep quality, 65 percent their mental wellness and 54 percent their socialization.

To improve their mental health and stress levels, respondents have tried several tools with 51 percent trying to eat healthier, 50 percent setting aside more time for themselves, 47 percent exercising more, 30 percent taking dietary supplements or vitamins, and 29 percent practicing meditation and mindfulness.  

Looking ahead to the next six months, over one-third rank improving sleep quality and reducing stress levels among their top three health and wellness priorities.

"The Wellth Report further shows the need for data-driven, personalized solutions for consumers who are actively searching for tools to help them prioritize their health and wellbeing," said Paul Jacobson, CEO of Thorne HealthTech, which uses testing and data to create improved product efficacy and deliver personalized solutions to consumers, health professionals, and corporations. "Younger generations are leading the trend here, placing a renewed emphasis on their health and wellbeing during the past two years. Although consumers want to be more engaged in their health, it can be overwhelming knowing where to begin to make improvements."

The survey was conducted by Edelman Data and Intelligence among 2,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. A benchmark survey was conducted between June 7-15, 2021, and a follow-up tracker took place between Sept. 7-16, 2021.

The survey focused on current and future health and wellness aspirations, specifically focusing on sleep and stress levels.