New Research Finds US Wellness Economy Valued at $2 Trillion, Accounting for One-Third of Global Market
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
The U.S. isn’t just leading the global wellness economy—it’s pulling ahead at full speed. New data from the Global Wellness Institute reveals that the American wellness market has surged to $2 trillion, making it not only the largest but one of the fastest-growing wellness economies worldwide. The U.S. is now $1.1 trillion ahead of China, the second-largest market, and more than six times the size of Germany’s, which ranks third.
While the U.S. has topped the rankings since GWI began tracking the global wellness economy in 2014, what’s striking is the pace at which it’s widening the gap. Between 2019 and 2023, the American wellness market grew at an annual rate of 8.3 percent, outpacing China at 4.9 percent, Germany at 5.9 percent, and Japan at 3.1 percent. By 2023, it had expanded 37 percent beyond its pre-pandemic size, reflecting both consumer demand and industry innovation.
Wellness is big business in the U.S., accounting for nearly one-third of the global wellness economy, with American consumers spending more than $6,000 per person annually on fitness, nutrition, mental health, and other wellness-related services.
The U.S. ranks first globally in nine of the 11 key wellness sectors measured by GWI, with physical activity, nutrition, and personal care representing some of the largest categories. The U.S. physical activity sector alone reached $376.8 billion, while the healthy eating, nutrition, and weight loss industry grew to $308.7 billion. The personal care and beauty sector hit $363.5 billion, and wellness tourism accounted for $300.6 billion, with over 207 million wellness-related trips. Public health, prevention, and personalized medicine represented a $285.9 billion segment, while wellness real estate—communities and developments designed with health and well-being at the center—was valued at $180.6 billion. Workplace wellness also continues to grow, reaching $17.9 billion as more companies invest in employee well-being initiatives.
The 2025 U.S. Geography of Wellness Report, published on GWI’s Geography of Wellness platform, was made possible by a continued partnership with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. This marks the third consecutive year that NASM has sponsored the research, allowing for a comprehensive look at all 11 wellness sectors in the U.S.
NASM emphasized the value of the report in shaping the future of the fitness and wellness industries.
"At NASM, we are committed to advancing the wellness industry through education, innovation, and data-driven insights," said Kristin Carrico, chief commercial officer at NASM. "The U.S. Geography of Wellness Report offers an essential perspective on the evolving industry, helping us better understand trends that impact fitness professionals, businesses, and communities. By supporting this initiative, we reaffirm our dedication to empowering wellness professionals with the knowledge and resources they need to drive positive change. Access to this data enables industry leaders to make informed decisions, shaping the future of health and well-being in the U.S."
The continued growth of the U.S. wellness economy reflects increasing consumer focus on health and well-being. Preventive care, fitness, mental health services, and wellness-centered real estate developments are all contributing to the sector’s expansion. As artificial intelligence, longevity-focused treatments, and recovery services gain traction, the wellness economy is expected to remain a driving force in consumer spending. With the U.S. leading in both size and growth, all eyes remain on how the industry will continue to evolve in the years ahead.
Elevate Your Expertise: Tune in to Our YouTube Channel for Exclusive Podcasts with fitness and wellness Industry Titans and Game-Changers
Credit: Global Wellness Institute