Wellness Economy 2027: Why Americans Are Spending More on Health, Fitness, Mental Wellness and Lifestyle Changes
A decade ago, a meditation app subscription or a weekly Pilates class felt like a nice extra. Now, for millions of Americans, it sits in the monthly budget right beside groceries.
That quiet shift has made the wellness economy one of the biggest forces in American life. The newest data says it’s still speeding up as 2027 approaches.
How Big Is the Wellness Economy?
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) says the average American spent $6,293 on wellness in 2024, and the sector now makes up 7.33% of US GDP. The US market, valued at $2.1 trillion, grew about 7.9% a year between 2019 and 2024. Worldwide, GWI’s report, released November 10, shows the market hit $7.5 trillion in 2025, up 8.9% in a year. It’s on track for roughly $8.2 trillion by the end of 2026.
Where the Money Is Going
Gyms and healthy food still matter. But the fastest growth is in mental wellness, which has nearly doubled globally since 2019. Meditation, mindfulness and sleep are growing at double-digit rates.
The US dominates this category. Its mental wellness market is worth $139 billion, while second-place China sits at $18 billion.
Fitness is changing shape too. Mindful movement, helped along by the Pilates craze, is now a $56 billion global market.
Why It’s Happening Now
Part of the answer is simple math. People are living longer, chronic illness is more common, and many feel stretched thin by stress. GWI researcher Katherine Johnston says these pressures aren’t a passing fad and will keep pushing demand for prevention and healthy living.
In other words, many people aren’t buying wellness as a luxury. They’re buying it as insurance.
What It Means for Everyday Americans
There’s an upside: more options, more awareness and more open talk about mental health.
But there’s a catch. Wellness spending is easiest for people with money to spare, which can leave lower-income families watching from the sidelines. It’s also worth knowing that GWI’s research is backed by industry sponsors, so its forecasts may lean optimistic.
One more detail stands out. Workplace wellness is the only sector barely growing, at 1.3% a year. That hints that more of the cost is landing on individuals rather than employers.
What to Watch in 2027
There’s no official US-only forecast for 2027 yet. GWI does expect global growth of about 7.7% a year through 2030. Wellness real estate, longevity testing and personalized medicine are the areas to keep an eye on.
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