For Gen Z and Millennials, Wellness Is More Than Just Being Fit

Wellness is no longer simply about hitting the gym or eating healthier. For many younger Filipinos, it is becoming a more complete lifestyle that also considers mental, emotional, and social wellbeing.

New findings from Herbalife's Asia Pacific Wellness Culture Survey 2026 reveal how Gen Z and Millennials across the region are taking a more intentional approach to wellness. More than half of younger consumers surveyed said they have seen real improvements in their personal wellbeing compared with three years ago.

And they're not just talking about wellness—they're making it part of their routines.

In the Philippines, 79% of Gen Zs and 76% of Millennials report participating in wellness activities more often than they did three years ago, compared with the 74% national average. The numbers point to a growing generation that is actively making wellness a regular part of everyday life.

From physical fitness to taking care of mental and emotional health and maintaining meaningful social connections, wellness is increasingly becoming about finding balance across different aspects of life.

“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

Gen Zs Redefining What Better Wellbeing Looks Like

Gen Z Filipinos may be reporting better wellbeing outcomes than older generations, but they're not settling. The survey shows that younger Filipinos continue to look for ways to improve different aspects of their health, with mental wellbeing and stress management topping the list at 53%. Sleep quality follows at 45%, while emotional wellbeing and nutrition come in at 40% and 37%, respectively.

What's interesting is that these aren't just goals written on a wellness checklist. Gen Z Filipinos are already doing something about them. More than half (53%) say they've improved their sleep habits, while 47% are choosing healthier foods and reducing unhealthy habits.

It shows a mindset focused on building habits that can last, rather than chasing quick fixes or short-term health targets.

And perhaps the biggest shift is how Gen Z defines wellness in the first place. Mental health is the area where 68% of Gen Z Filipinos say they need more support, ranking higher than physical health at 62% and emotional health at 57%.

Older Filipinos, particularly Gen X and Boomers, continue to prioritize physical health more strongly. For Gen Z, however, wellness is becoming a bigger picture—one that connects the mind, body, emotions, and the communities that help people stay on track.

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

For Gen Z Filipinos, the path to better wellness can be influenced by what happens both offline and online. Over the past year, 63% said social media positively affected their physical wellbeing, while 58% reported a positive impact on their emotional wellbeing and 55% on their mental wellbeing.

But it's not just social media feeds shaping their habits. Their social circles, cited by 65%, and online communities, cited by 47%, are also important sources of motivation and support when it comes to building healthier routines.

Millennials tell a slightly different story. For this generation, friends and family remain the strongest influence on wellbeing, particularly emotional health at 64%, followed by mental health at 62%.

Both generations clearly value having people around them who can encourage healthier choices. The difference lies in where that connection happens. Gen Z is more comfortable finding inspiration, information, and encouragement through digital communities, while Millennials continue to draw more of their wellness support from their personal relationships.