Skip to content

The role of technology in wellness in 2025 according to NielsenIQ

Technology is revolutionizing wellness, making health management more personalized, accessible, and data-driven than ever before.

Photo by Mor Shani / Unsplash

Table of Contents

CHICAGO – NielsenIQ's analysis shows that in 2025, AI-driven tools, intelligent health devices, and digital commerce will reshape the wellness industry. Consumers are increasingly integrating technology into their health routines, shifting wellness from a product-centric industry to a priority-driven experience. However, as technology advances, trust and transparency become paramount. Brands must ensure that their innovations genuinely enhance consumer well-being while maintaining credibility and ethical standards.

NielsenIQ reports that consumers are embracing digital-first wellness solutions at an unprecedented rate. AI-powered assistants, wearable health devices, and social commerce platforms are making wellness more convenient and tailored to individual needs. Currently, 55% of consumers purchase wellness products directly through social media and live-stream platforms, streamlining the journey from discovery to purchase. Meanwhile, direct-to-consumer brands leverage AI-driven insights to offer hyper-personalized wellness solutions that align with individual health goals.

AI and machine learning are at the core of this transformation, revolutionizing predictive and preventive healthcare. Wearable devices like the Amazfit V1tal now provide real-time nutritional insights, while AI-powered skincare tools like the MULLI AI Dermascope personalize beauty and self-care routines. These technologies empower consumers to take control of their health, shifting the focus from reactive healthcare to proactive self-management.

Beyond physical health, technology is expanding into mental and emotional well-being, fostering an "omni-wellness" approach. AI-driven mental health tools, personalized stress management programs, and biometric tracking systems are helping individuals better understand and manage their holistic well-being. As consumers demand integrated, data-driven solutions, brands that embrace the omni-wellness approach will lead the future of wellness in 2025 and beyond.

3 key technological innovations shaping wellness

  1. AI and smart devices

Artificial intelligence is simplifying health management by automating decisions and providing real-time insights. With 34% of consumers using AI to streamline wellness shopping, digital assistants and predictive algorithms are revolutionizing product discovery. Smart assistants now recommend stress-relief solutions based on behavioral patterns, while AI-powered apps analyze sleep and activity data to tailor fitness plans.

Smart devices further enhance this trend by integrating AI into daily routines. Smart fridges track food inventory and reorder nutritious items based on dietary goals, while AI-powered skincare devices analyze skin conditions to suggest personalized treatments. These innovations eliminate guesswork, making wellness more intuitive and accessible.

  1. Wearable and smart health gadgets

Wearable health technology has evolved beyond basic fitness tracking, offering real-time nutritional and biometric insights. Devices like the Amazfit V1tal automatically log food intake and analyze nutritional data, helping consumers effortlessly maintain balanced diets. This real-time feedback empowers users to make informed health decisions, from hydration adjustments to workout modifications based on biometric readings.

In addition, AI-driven skincare solutions like the MULLI AI Dermascope personalize beauty routines by analyzing skin conditions over time and recommending customized treatments. Smart health gadgets are bridging the gap between technology and personal well-being as the wellness industry expands to include holistic self-care.

  1. Digital and social commerce for wellness

Social commerce is transforming how consumers discover and purchase wellness products, with TikTok Shop now ranking as the #8 ecommerce retailer. This shift has drastically shortened the time between product discovery and purchase, as consumers engage with influencers, live demonstrations, and AI-powered recommendations in real time. Brands are leveraging social platforms to create immersive shopping experiences, from live Q&A sessions to interactive product showcases.

Simultaneously, direct-to-consumer wellness brands utilize AI-driven insights to refine marketing strategies and enhance personalization. By analyzing consumer behavior, AI enables hyper-targeted recommendations, ensuring wellness solutions reach the right audiences. As digital commerce continues to evolve, brands that embrace AI-powered targeting and social selling will thrive in the growing tech-enabled wellness market.

Opportunities and risks for brands

As AI continues to shape wellness, brands have a significant opportunity to drive engagement and loyalty through hyper-personalization. AI-powered recommendations, adaptive fitness plans, and real-time biometric tracking are creating seamless, customized wellness experiences. Companies that integrate adaptive technology can build deeper consumer connections by offering meaningful, data-backed health solutions.

However, as innovation accelerates, brands must navigate growing consumer skepticism. While AI-driven personalization enhances convenience, concerns about data privacy, the credibility of health claims, and the potential for profit-driven AI recommendations remain. The rise of AI-generated advertising and automated shopping experiences presents both opportunities and risks—brands that fail to ensure transparency and reliability risk losing consumer trust.

According to NielsenIQ, companies must prioritize ethical AI usage and provide clear, evidence-backed messaging to succeed. By balancing innovation with credibility, brands can harness technology responsibly to create lasting consumer value in the evolving wellness landscape of 2025.

Read the analysis here.

Comments

Latest