Take

Care.

A Study of Gen Z’s Attitude Towards
Health & Wellness
Ever heard "Macro" and immediately thought, "Ugh, Excel overload"? Well, today's "Macro" is all about counting your protein, carbs, and diving into the world of nutrition. Forget the spreadsheet struggle – we're talking about a health and wellness revolution.

You know those health gurus popping up left and right? They're like the new sheriffs in town, laying down fresh rules on how to eat, move, and live our best lives. It might seem like just another trend, but when the pandemic hit, suddenly, everyone's lifestyle became the hottest topic of discussion. We started scrutinizing our habits, digging deep into our daily lives to identify areas for improvement. As a result our physical and mental well-being took centre stage and became a wake-up call that rang loud and clear.

And this health evolution isn't exclusive to us everyday folks. India, in the past few years, has seen its athletes reach new heights, breaking records and collecting gold medals. Taking care of our bodies is no longer just for show –it's for a lifetime.
Even those youngsters everyone's trying to decode – Gen Z. Turns out, they're also hopping on the health and wellness wagon. After all, they're the stars of every brand conversation, and it's about time we understand they're more than what meets the eye.

So, we got curious and began to wonder...what's the 411 on how they see the health and wellness game? Is it a package deal or two separate eras? Is it a hot trend or just another blip on their radar? Who's got their ear, and where are they getting the lowdown?

And after spending hours in conversation with young Indians across Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, in this report, we're spilling the beans on everything we uncovered, mulled over, and found super interesting about Gen Z and their take on health and wellness.

Chapter 1

Gen Z Puts the Brakes on Insta-Speed and Embraces
Insta-Patience
In a world where Gen Z rides the wave of turbocharged Wi-Fi and instantaneous banking apps, their hunger for instant gratification has them looking through cooking tutorials, makeup routines, and recommendations with the finesse of a fast-forward button. For them, it's all about spontaneity and immediacy.
But when it comes to Health & Wellness, things get interesting. Despite their need for speed in their daily lives, Gen Z throws a curveball when it comes to their well-being.

Instead of getting caught up in the chaos of shortcuts and quick fixes, they are intentionally taking a different route. A route where it’s not about the hustle and bustle; but instead it's about intentional moves – a journey filled with experimentation and exploration with a generous dose of patience. They’re opting for a mindful slowdown, steering clear of the impulsive spontaneity that usually dictates their choices. We’re calling this “Insta-patience”.
So, what exactly is Insta-patience?
For a generation that practically lives online, there's a constant stream of content, and health & wellness has claimed its spot in the limelight. A quick scroll on Instagram reveals a wellness wonderland, with a whopping 43% of posts diving into health & wellness topics – from workout tips to nutrition advice and meditation insights
But with this flood of information (and sometimes, misinformation), Gen Z can easily feel overwhelmed and confused as illustrated by a 24 y/o male from Bangalore as he notes “When you look at social media you tend to follow and get information online and get influenced by it. Some information online can be misleading. Without context, it can be harmful, but even then you do get a starting point, and then the end depends on what you do with that information and figure it out for yourself.”

As a result, they strategically wade into the wellness realm, taking their time to approach and plan their health and wellness journeys. Armed with everything the internet has to offer them in terms of information, they experiment and explore patiently until they find what works for them, with no hesitation to drop what clearly isn't doing the trick, but only after giving it a fair shot.

Take this 25-year-old from Delhi, for example as she works towards finding the sweet spot, saying, “I don’t wanna go overboard and try and do everything I see online and then slack off. If you turn well-being into this robotic routine or go over the top, it just stresses you out. I'd rather keep it personalized and do it with some heart. I'm not about losing myself just to shed a few pounds. Slow and steady wins the race for me."

Health and Wellness –
the Ride-or-Die Companions of Gen Z's Existence

Now having peeled back layers of Gen Z’s digital lives and having discovered an apparent paradox in how they navigate health and wellness vs. other aspects of their lives, we decided to decode this paradox. We went a bit deeper and had some heart-to-heart talks with health-conscious young folks from the metros only to double down on the real importance of health and wellness in their lives.

For Gen Z, Health and Wellness is not just about how they are but, significantly, about who they are, both literally in their physical bodies, and, figuratively, manifesting in their personal and social identity as explained in some of our findings below.
1. Careful Planning for Carefree Living
Health and Wellness aren't mere concepts; they're the architects of their very existence. One respondent spilled the truth, saying, "Health is the reality of our body, and Wellness is how we look after that body."

Translation: Without this dynamic duo, their life could hit pause. It's not a brief stopover; it's a perpetual journey, a relentless commitment towards future-proofing their bodies, inside out, in service of living a longer and healthier life. For Gen Z, there's a rock-solid belief that strategically and sustainably tending to their bodies – the vessels of their existence – sets the stage for a carefree, easygoing life down the road.

An 18-year-old in Mumbai perfectly summed up this thought as she said “I need to look after myself now and keep my joints in check so later on in life I am able to live life without worrying about constant injuries or anxiety around my wellbeing. I want to be able to go for a trek when I’m 50 without having to think twice”

Now, we might have initially thought this profound connection only applied to the health side of things, but oh, were we in for a surprise! Our time with Gen Z enthusiasts revealed a nuanced understanding of the intricate dance between health and wellness. They see these two as inseparable BFFs, hand in hand, working together for that ultimate well-being vibe. It's like a symphony, and one without the other just doesn't hit the right notes.
2. Engaging The Core (identity)
Well, now, health and wellness isn't just a tag team for Gen Z; it's a lifestyle that's front and centre. It's the foundational pillar that anchors a lot of their choices – everything from what's in their closet to what's on their plate. While we might have thought it’s a whole separate world for them, surprisingly, it spills into how they roll in every other aspect of life, becoming a key part of who they are. It is almost like the north star, steering them towards conscious decisions that align with their priorities, keeping it real and building who they are one choice at a time.
3. Badge of Honor to Belonging Bucks
For this generation, health and wellness is way beyond choosing salads over fries; it's the seasoning that adds flavor to their entire existence. Whether it's hitting up the Nike Run Club, chilling at the latest wellness spot, or just being super intentional about living their best lives – it all contributes to their revamped "cool quotient."

And it's not just a personal thing; it's their social badge, the buzz-worthy topic they proudly bring to the table. Knowing the ins and outs of health and wellness isn't just for bragging rights—it's the ticket to belonging in a tribe that is all about this stuff. Sure, the health world has a whole spectrum, but these guys leverage what they know as the ultimate social currency to find their people. It's their game plan for navigating the health and wellness scene and connecting with like-minded souls.

Chapter 2

Unlock Your Tribe
Building on the previous chapter's exploration of how Health and Wellness moulds Gen Z's vibe, this section delves deeper into understanding various facets of the overall health and wellness identity, each presenting itself as a distinct Health and Wellness Main Character (HWMC) within this realm, yes, with their unique main character energy.

Navigating through the health and wellness universe with urban Indian Gen Z is like discovering that there's no one-size-fits-all deal. Despite the general sustainable and gradual approach that defines how Gen Z tackles health and wellness, their needs and experiences are all over the map.

In this chapter, we're not merely dealing with theories; we're diving deep into the specifics of these Gen Z characters. What fuels their fire, what's taking the top spot on their priority lists, and the unique paths they're carving out in the health and wellness game.

Think of it like one of those online quiz results sections, revealing the characters in your health and wellness quiz, contributing their unique flair in the search for a balanced life. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to discover which HWMC resonates with you.

Slay Squad

In a nutshell, the Slay Squad is an MVP on a journey of transformation, putting a spotlight on physical changes to crank up overall confidence. Crushing past body image struggles, building up self-confidence, and diving into a healthier lifestyle are the holy grails. Guided by the experiences of fitness experts and influencers in their inner circle, the Slay Squad is characterized by disciplined routines, a need for accountability, and strategic nutrition and supplementation choices to achieve transformation and body confidence. 
Background and Triggers
Goals
Motivations
Barriers
Behaviours and Attitudes
Tough Beginnings: Body shaming and bullying resulting in low self-confidence and mood swings.
Glow-Up Journey: Aiming for a glow-up journey, driven by the need to kick old battles with body shaming and societal beauty norms to the curb.
Transformation Triumphs: Inspired by the victories of fellow journey-takers, they're on the lookout for relatable influencers to keep the motivational flame burning.
Battle Scars from the Past: Lingering effects of past struggles sneak up, playing mind games with self-esteem and mood stability.
Structured Sweat Sessions: Locked into a killer fitness routine, thanks to the pros or personal trainers, bringing in the heavyweights with strength training and cardio.
Internalized Beauty Ideals and Society's Expectations: Wrestling with societal pressure on beauty ideals, especially those tied to gender, sparks self-doubt.
Boosting Confidence: On a mission to rebuild confidence, diving into transformative physical changes while fostering mental resilience and self-love.
External Push and Check-Ins: Thriving on outside support and tools that keep them on track – shoutout to personal trainers and tracking devices making sure they're committed to the glow-up.
Self-Doubt and Neglect: History of inactivity on personal well-being creates mood swings and shaky self-confidence on the path to transformation.
Nutritional Emphasis: Places significant importance on consuming the right foods, opting for high-protein, low-carbohydrate options to align with fitness goals and tackle dietary challenges. Adjusts diet based on guidance to optimize results and explores intermittent fasting to meet transformation goals
Denial and Inner Battles: Juggling internal beauty standards and evolving notions of self-love, amplified up by social media lead to internal conflicts and stress.
Supplement Integration: Amps up the game with supplements like whey protein, creatine, and testosterone, taking advice from the experts and influencers in their social circles.
Keeping it in check: Swipes right on health apps like HealthifyMe, Boat App, and Health App to keep track and stay responsible for reaching fitness and nutrition goals.
Taking Notes from the Pros: Takes a page from the playbook of fitness influencers, soaking in their journeys and lessons for their own transformation.

Slay
Squad

“Till date I get comments like oh you would look so pretty if you lost weight. In fact my own mother and friends sometimes comment and keep telling me I have put on weight. I’ve tried to develop a thick skin and told them to find another daughter/friend if you don’t like me as I am but obviously I did get affected by it and still feel bad sometimes.”

- 20 y/o, Female, Delhi
“I’ve always struggled with my body since genetically I have very large hips and as I would walk in school people would make fun of me and say things that I feel embarrassed to repeat. This sent me into a loop - I would feel bad, binge eat, and not feel motivated to do anything and then feel bad about that too.”

- 21 y/o, Male, Mumbai
“I’ve been through a phase where people called me fat and now they call me a stick cause I got too lean. I don’t want to be seen as a failure so I tend to cover my wrist with bracelets and wear jackets that cover up my frame while I work on a body that’ll make me feel confident.”

-19, Male, Bangalore
“As a first step I changed my outlook towards nutrition. Being from a proper Punjabi household we have very rich food at home. It was hard for me to make the transition to cleaner eating at home as I had to convince my mom to reduce the use of heavy oils and ghee in our food, increase protein intake, and reduce carbs. Though I have to say the air fryer has really helped me do this with ease. I can sometimes enjoy food I like without it being unhealthy.”

- 20 y/o, Female, Delhi
“I have a fixed routine where I go to the gym for 60-90 mins everyday. I got a long gym membership and a personal trainer so I remain committed and the trainer guides my workouts so I know I am in safe hands. He helps me with understanding my workouts and nutritions and now the gym feels like a break from the rest of life.”

-19, Male, Bangalore
“I have been following Ranveer Allahbadia since the start, I feel like I have watched him evolve and transform speaking of his fitness journey. His journey is very relatable and he breaks down his information in a way that I can understand it and incorporate the learnings in my life.”

-21 y/o, Male, Mumbai

Flex Fam

To sum it up,  the Flex Fam is the embodiment of a fitness fanatic and an accomplishment chaser. Fueled by an unstoppable drive to crush it in their athletic pursuits, they see health and wellness as the ultimate tools for peak performance. Always aiming for that next level, they set doable goals, creating a positivity loop that reinforces their winning spirit. Their journey isn't just about transforming their own life; it's a beacon inspiring others to dive into the transformative magic of fitness and wellness. Despite curveballs like injuries and a crazy schedule, they bounce back with resilience, showing off that growth mindset. From precision training to spot-on nutrition, quality rest, and a squad that's got their back – these are the building blocks of their personal victories.
Background and Triggers
Goals
Motivations
Barriers
Behaviours and Attitudes
Athletic Dynamo: Powered by a passion for hitting peak wellness that not only complements but also elevates their game in the athletic arena, whether for personal or pro-level kicks.
Upgrading the Game: Sees holistic health as the ultimate performance booster in the realm of athletics.
Winning Streak: Thrives on setting and conquering milestones – it's their key to success. Hitting goals creates a positivity loop, locking in commitment, pumping up determination, and sealing the deal with a sweet sense of accomplishment.
Overcoming Injuries: Navigating through temporary setbacks like knee and ligament troubles, pushing through frustration and self-doubt.
Fitness and Wellness Integration: Knows that a healthy body and mind are the winning hand for better focus, stamina, and resilience in their athletic quests.
Inspiring their circle: Their lifestyle isn't just a solo mission – it's a spectacle that inspires everyone in their circle to jump on the fitness and wellness train. Influencing others becomes their happy place of motivation.
Life's Balancing Act: Juggling sports, fitness, work, academics, plus the whole social and personal life scene is like spinning plates in a circus. It's an ongoing journey of balance, a skill that's polished over time.
Nutrition Maestro: Balances a hardcore fitness routine with a feast of nutrient-rich eats, keeping tabs on every morsel. Proteins, home cooked meals, and supplements (think protein powders, creatine, multivitamins) based on legitimate research lay the foundation of their nutrition game.
Pro Playbook: Dives into the journeys of athletes, sports stars, and influencers, taking inspiration to stay on the top of their own game.
Rolling with the Punches: While their dedication to routines and intensity is fire, unexpected life incidents bring not just physical hurdles but also mental battles. Both external challenges and training plateaus become hurdles to leap over.
Keeping it in check: Rocking gadgets like Amazefit, Fitbit, and Apple Watch to track everything from steps and sleep to heart rate and menstrual cycles. Every little win in their athletic game is meticulously logged.
Peer Nudges: Rubbing shoulders with those who dance to a different lifestyle tune poses a challenge, potentially steering them away from their fitness goals. Peer pressure, anyone?
Targeted Training: Their workout routine isn't just a bunch of exercises slapped together – it's a carefully crafted masterpiece aiming for real, tangible progress in their athletic goals. Precision is the name of their game.
Chill Time is Crucial: They're all about that natural flow when it comes to rest, recovery, and catching those quality Zs. Sleep is sacred to them.
Squad Goals: Surrounding themselves with a community that's all about health and steering clear of party animals, they've got a squad that cheers on victories and lifts them up during the tough times.

Flex Fam

“I spend about 1.5 hours everyday in my home gym working out to increase my performance and strength goals. Initially my dad supported me to participate in district level powerlifting. I got Bangalore’s strongest woman award and have been training on my own with my dad’s guidance and a lot of research online. I got into the nationals and won the gold and want to represent Indian internationally and become an influencer for women to be strong and self-sufficient. ”

- 21 y/o, Female, Bangalore
“I tore my ligament so I had to stop powerlifting for about 1-1.5 years. I missed competitions and wasn't able to participate in some events that all of Bangalore was going for. I was very frustrated but I understood my body needs to recover - I spent most of my time gaming, resting and letting my knee recover. The knee injury did set me back though - I am still scared to squat.”

- 21 y/o, Female, Bangalore
“I don’t like partying and drinking so much because it really interferes with my physical and athletic goals. This means I have actually lost friends due to this and make only certain types of friends who understand my lifestyle. I feel when you walk a path and you are determined to achieve success you lose friends and as that reel on IG says a Lamborghini has only two seats the others can take the bus so I only need friends who get it vs. many who don’t care.”

- 21 y/o, Female, Bangalore
“Based on how my game is going I often focus on muscle groups that I need for my game.  When I feel like my quads need more strength I double up on training as opposed to some days where I feel my upper body is weak and focus on that group. While I have a  consistent workout plan I often make changes based on my game”

- 24 y/o, Male,  Bangalore
“As an army kid I would always change schools and started playing sports to make new friends. I am 6'3 so my height gave me the advantage to be in Basketball teams. Ever since I have been playing Basketball and began gymming to support the functional aspects I required to get better. My legs had to get stronger for me to be able to shoot different types of Basketball shots so that is how I started paying more attention to workouts, nutrition and build my lifestyle around my health and wellness”

- 24 y/o, Male, Bangalore
“I take protein, creatine and other necessary multivitamins. A friend recommended these and I researched it on YouTube through fitness influencers/experts, professional athletes, and people around me on similar journeys. I usually don’t blindly follow recommendations or even online posts for that matter. In the current world, there’s nothing you can trust at face value. You need to do your own research. I won’t believe it if I see or hear something once, instead I corroborate the information from different sources.”

- 24 y/o, Male, Bangalore
“I use my Amazefit to track pretty much everything from steps, sleep, heart rate, periods since I need to keep these things in check to be able to maintain a healthy lifestyle and consistent growth in performance levels. Calories and protein intake are also important to track to make sure I am getting enough to nutrition to be able to give it my all.”

- 21 y/o, Female, Bangalore

Health Hype-ster

The Health Hype-ster's engagement with health and wellness is a mission fueled by the need to tackle chronic and long-term health issues – by playing both offence and defence. They swear by evidence-based practices, crave a supportive community, and approach the wellness game with a mindful and informed outlook. Their journey is all about enhancing the quality of life and mastering the art of navigating health challenges like a boss.
Background and Triggers
Goals
Motivations
Barriers
Behaviours and Attitudes
Health Skepticism: As stories of heart attacks, early diabetes, and chronic illnesses unfold, it kicks in healthy skepticism, resulting in second-hand health-related anxiety.
Health Mastery: Takes on the challenge of effectively managing chronic health conditions, designing a holistic approach that wraps up physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Health as a Necessity: Dives into health and wellness not just for the heck of it but out of sheer necessity – managing symptoms and keeping that active lifestyle on point.
Physical Hurdles: Some chronic health situations throw in physical limitations, making it crucial to choose activities that won't kick symptoms into overdrive.
Evidence-based Explorer: Trusts information and practices grounded in scientific research and medical advice, always seeking reliable sources for the compass on their health journey.
Personal Health Alarms: Facing their own health battles becomes a game-changer, sparking a reassessment of priorities, efficient symptom management, and a quest for a richer life.
Proactive Action: Strives to level up the quality of life, diving into activities and practices that tackle symptoms head-on and set the stage for a long and lively life.
Community Strength: Craves connection with others facing similar health battles, finding comfort and motivation in shared experiences, especially within PCOS communities.
Information Overload: Manoeuvring through the world of health and wellness can be like swimming in a sea of options – figuring out what's legitimate and beneficial is challenging.
Mindful Movement: Dives into thoughtfully picked physical activities tailored to their health conditions, leaning into low-impact exercises that contribute toward their well-being.
Gender Health Hurdles: Women, in particular, grapple with early PCOS and thyroid diagnoses, realizing these can impact future conception plans – adding another layer of stress.
Double Win: While the main focus is on health goals, the potential bonus of looking and feeling good is like the cherry on top. Win-win it is.
Living that Balanced Life: Finding a balance between work, physical activity, and personal time remains a struggle.
Informed Decision-Making: Plays the medication game strategically, consciously giving prescribed drugs the preference over supplements. It's all about embracing the natural route and avoiding unnecessary artificial elements. Plus, they're all about minimizing reliance and leveraging the body's inherent capabilities during this life stage.
Knowledge is Power: Fuels their health journey with a hunger for knowledge, to grasp the ins and outs of their health condition. It's all about stacking the deck for effective, long-term healthy living.

Health
Hype-ster

“My journey started when I was heavy and had irregular periods. Being diagnosed with PCOS I needed to make a lifestyle change to manage it. I also know I want to have a family and PCOS will become a barrier in the future so that hit me and I started focusing on going to the gym and managing my nutrition. Additionally I also have psoriasis so I try to focus on my stress levels too.”

- 25 y/o, Female, Delhi
“My parents have always had BP and cholesterol issues so I try to be mindful of my health practices so I can avoid as many health issues as possible. I’ve also had this family doctor uncle who passed away recently - I was shocked that even after he took care of himself he passed away at a young age so I try and proactively take whatever steps I can.”

- 21 y/o, Female, Delhi
“I had a friend who had a heart attack in the 10th std and I myself have asthma - these acted as wake up calls to start taking my health more seriously and be more conscious about it rather than have a “chalta hai” (lax) attitude towards it.”

- 20 y/o, Female, Bangalore
“I don’t believe in taking steroids or any unnatural supplements to help me. In fact at my  age if I start taking supplements I am scared I’ll become dependent on it and god alone knows how I will manage when I get older. ”

- 19 y/o, Male, Bangalore
“My friend had diabetes since the 3rd standard so she was always conscious about her diet and I’ve seen how it’s helped her beyond just diabetes. Being disciplined and balanced about her exercise and diet has really helped her overall being. This influenced me since I was young but everything I introduce in terms of foods, supplements, etc I always check with my family doctor or research nutrients in foods thoroughly myself.”

- 21 y/o, Female, Delhi
“My journey has been slow - I learnt from my gym instructors but then realised that heavy intensity workouts were not good for my PCOS and anxiety so I started introducing home workouts from online influencers like Chloe Ting and also yoga and dance to calm down and reduce stress.”

- 25 y/o, Female, Delhi
“Right now I have the basic information I need. I use social media to learn some things and confirm it with my trainer and my doctor but I know as I progress I will need to learn more so I am always exploring and looking out to learn more and incorporate whatever feels right for me and my body. I also used HealthifyMe to track nutrition earlier but now overtime I have a sense of calories so I don’t need to use the app and can move onto learning about and incorporating other aspects into my routine.”

- 21 y/o, Female, Delhi

Balance Bae

The Balance Bae is on a quest for life's equilibrium. Despite life throwing stress grenades, time playing hide-and-seek, and mental health hurdles, they stand strong. With emotional well-being taking centre stage, they craft a lifestyle that fights stress while embracing mindful living, largely through physical movement and intentional interventions. This integrated approach is a powerhouse that empowers them.
Background and Triggers
Goals
Motivations
Barriers
Behaviours and Attitudes
Prolonged Mental Health Struggles: Diving into a pool of prolonged mental health struggles triggered by significant life events, sometimes turning to coping mechanisms like excessive drinking or smoking.
Creating Harmony: Recognises the interconnectedness between physical, mental, and spiritual health, aiming to find the right balance among them for ultimate wellness.
Zen Through Motion: Discovers the magic of activities like running and strength training, considering them not just workouts but sources of clarity and detox. These moves keep them sharp, solution-focused, and act as a sweet escape from the chaos of work and life.
The Juggle Struggle: Balancing the work hustle, squeezing in physical activity, and carving out personal chill time is a perpetual battle.
Panoramic Philosophy: Swears by the philosophy of investing in mental, physical, and spiritual well-being, recognizing it as a priceless asset. Their approach is about finding that balance, tuning in to the signals their bodies are sending.
Fortifying Mental Stamina: Boosts mental resilience by putting physical health and wellness on the priority list. The grand plan? To harness the positive impact of regular exercise and holistic well-being practices, dialing down stress/anxiety and embracing a balanced mental state.
Growth and Soul-Searching: Riding the spiritual and emotional wave that physical activity brings, they're all in for a well-rounded journey. Learning from various sources is cool, but they bank on personal experiences to shape their path to all-encompassing well-being.
Mind-Action Tango: Battling poor mental health becomes a roadblock to taking action, despite knowing the benefits from past victories. This tricky loop keeps them in a cycle of inaction.
Fitness and Routine: Jumps into physical activities like strength training, yoga, and functional workouts – not just for the killer physique, but as a power move for mental calmness and the ultimate anxiety-busting session. The repetitiveness and consistency of these routines, coupled with the mental perks, becomes their anchor, grounding them in the chaos.
Rituals that Speak: Rituals aren't just habits; they're sacred moments in their wellness journey. Whether it's hitting the meditation cushion, pouring thoughts into a journal, or speaking in affirmations, these practices become a haven for emotional processing, complementing their physical activity routines.
Always Up for a Wellness Quest: Navigating the path of continuous exploration, they're game for experimenting with all things wellness. From diverse workout regimes to supplements, aromatherapy, and mindfulness techniques, it's a journey of aligning practices with the ever-evolving wellness map.

Balance
Bae

“Rituals are a huge part of my life, having a daily morning and night time routine is a therapeutic process. I light a candle, do my affirmations, yoga and meditation and these rituals help create a safe space for me, helping me calm down and deal with my anxiety and depressive episodes. ”

- 25 y/o, Female, Mumbai
“Thinking about preparing for CFA has suddenly come with a lot of pressure for me. As I am entering college I suddenly feel like things are getting real and have started getting anxiety attacks. To be able to stay calm through it all I have created a routine for myself focusing on nutrient rich ayurvedic and home foods, exercise and yoga, and meditation and sleep tracking.”

- 18 y/o, Female, Mumbai
“I try to maintain a routine which has a little bit of everything but I make sure I never over do it and listen to my body. Sometimes people talk about pushing hard but I don’t feel that way. I take guidance from how my body is feeling but of course I make sure I maintain consistency in my home remedies, exercises, herbal teas and meditation. My day is incomplete without all of it.”

- 18 y/o, Female, Mumbai
“My anxiety keeps coming in the way of maintaining my routine. With poor mental states I don’t feel like showing up but I push myself by having a routine. Like yoga I have managed to do for 3 years consistently along with my workouts and it’s a lifestyle not a workout which helps release stress and makes me feel good eventually. ”

- 25 y/o, Female, Mumbai
“You enter college and realize how the world works, this is when I started thinking about health in the larger picture. Earlier I focused on my weight but over time I have tried the gym, yoga, meal plans etc. Now after all of that I have realized that I enjoy doing a mix of the gym, YT/CultFit home workouts and along with that I use herbal teas, ayurvedic foods and spas to maintain my well being. I tried meditation but I feel for me working out is my meditation.”

- 23 y/o, Female, Bangalore
“When I started working my priorities changed and I was overwhelmed with my personal and professional life. While I was depressed due to a bad relationship and toxic friendships which led me to excessive drinking. I felt like I hit rock bottom and that’s when I started strength training again because post workout I feel a lot more relaxed and in control of my mind (reduced anxiety and panic attacks). I also got introduced to healing energies, crystals, aromatherapy, journaling and meditation and ever since all of these aspects have become important in my life. ”

- 25 y/o, Female, Mumbai

Versatile Viber

The Versatile Viber is a recent convert to the world of health and wellness, thanks to buddies and social media. No health issues, just a curious spirit eager to dive into various wellness activities. Their compass? Social connections and the pure fun of sweating it out with friends. Peer influence is the fuel, and they're always up for trying the latest health trends making waves on social media. While their approach is casual and flexible, the information overload online can sometimes throw them off. Their wellness journey is a mix of exploration and short-term commitments, where the joy lies in trying it all.
Background and Triggers
Goals
Motivations
Barriers
Behaviours and Attitudes
Health Awareness From Friends: Recently got more health-conscious, influenced by friends who subscribe to fitness and well-being.
Exploration: Primarily intrigued by the idea of trying out all sorts of health and wellness activities and routines, no specific destination in mind.
Peer Pressure, but Make it Healthy: The people around them are big on health and wellness, and that's the fuel for this journey. They want in on the social circles of friends who are the wellness gurus.
Resistance to Rigidity: Dislikes rigid plans and routines and prefers flexibility in wellness activities.
Chill Vibes Only: Likes to keep the health and wellness journey laid-back and fun, steering clear of strict regimens. They're the masters of the start-and-stop game, exploring various wellness activities without getting hitched to a specific one for the long haul.
Smooth Sailing on Health Waters: No major health issues, just a noticeboard filled with friends reaping the perks of a healthy lifestyle.
Social Connection: Digs the social angle of health and wellness, turning it into a buddy-bonding activity with friends.
Chasing the Trends: Eager to keep the wellness game strong, they're all in for trying out the latest trends spotted on the ever-scrolling social media feed.
Information Avalanche Alert: Sometimes feels like a tiny fish in the vast ocean of health and wellness information online, getting overwhelmed.
Diverse Interests: Tries a buffet of health and wellness activities – from yoga to group fitness classes and throwing down at home workouts, they're all about that variety.
Social Media Trend Seekers: Scrolling through social media and stumbling upon wellness trends and tips has become the latest curiosity trigger.
Fun in Numbers: Sees the real joy in group workouts, wellness shindigs, and heart-to-heart health discussions with pals. Social wellness is the name of their game.
Trendy Adventurer: Ready to ride the trend wave – be it diets, supplements, or wellness practices – but not signing any long-term contracts.

Versatile Viber

“I like to remain active but I don’t want to put give myself too many restrictions - that takes the fun out of it so I do different activities, accompany friends in their workouts and stay as active as I like and my life allows me to be”

- 25 y/o, Male, Delhi
“A friend used to go to the gym so I started with her but then after sometime I stopped and tried pilates instead. I also do Zumba sometimes. It’s fun to try out different things as your interest keeps changing.”

- 23 y/o, Female, Bangalore
“My friends and I have a fitness WhatsApp group where we discuss workouts, any new information we find interesting related to this. The same group is also on IG where we share reels like things like Virat Kohli’s diet plan, or interesting workouts, motivational quotes, etc.”

- 24 y/o, Male, Mumbai
“Recently I saw some Nyumi hair gummies online, I’ve tried them cause they seemed interesting and I;ve been seeing so much of it online but I don’t know if it is actually working.”

- 23 y/o, Female, Bangalore

Chapter 3

The Marketers Magic Pill of Health & Wellness
In our last chapter, we dived into the diverse world of Health & Wellness Mindful Characters (HWMCs). Almost like entering a gym for the first time, exploring cool equipment, we met our HWMCs. But just as different gym gear come together for fitness moves, our HWMCs also unite for health and wellness goals a.k.a the three big wins – appearance, health and overall wellbeing.

Hold on, let us take a step back and introduce you to what we like to call the Marketer's Magic Pill of Health & Wellness. This magic pill is like our secret weapon to really get how Gen Z is vibing with the whole health and wellness scene.

So, what is the Magic Pill of Health & Wellness all about?

The Magic Pill of Health & Wellness is like our way of showing how the HWMCs team up to spotlight the three big pillars in the health and wellness world - the three key goals that Gen Z is all about in their health and wellness journey, no matter where they kick things off. As they roll through their journey, they kind of navigate around these three goals, and guess what? It totally shapes how they act and engage with all the health and wellness world out there on a product and service level.
The Magic Pill of Health & Wellness & The Three Big Wins
Appearance
One would guess that in one way or another we’re all trying to look fab. It's like this universal thing to look good and feel awesome—age, gender, or where you're from, none of it really matters. And when it comes to appearance, health and wellness is this massive playground where we're all in it together, either leveling up or maintaining what we've got. But there's this bunch of people, not just casually in the game, but seriously committed, especially when it comes to up their appearance game. They’re doing their best to transform into whatever that "best self" means to them—whether it's shedding a few pounds or just keeping those calves looking toned. It's like a long bumpy ride they’ve signed up for.

So, in our gang of Health & Wellness Mindful Characters (HWMCs), we've got these two standouts—meet the "Slay Squad '' and the “Flex Fam ''. The "Slay Squad" is on this journey to transform, all focused on boosting how they look to reclaim their lost confidence. Then, we've got the "Flex Fam," not just chasing good looks but the whole package—looking sharp and feeling top-notch in health and all those active adventures.
Health
Beyond just looking good, health and wellness is also about dodging those stubborn illnesses and living a hassle-free life. We're talking about everything from staying fit to methods that help keep diseases at bay.

Our roster of HWMC tackles this health game differently. Check out the “Flex Fam” and the “Health Hype-ster.” The first one's all about the long game, focusing on functional health to hit those milestones. On the flip side, the “Health Hype-ster” is on a mission, juggling the chronic health journey both proactively and reactively. But you know what ties them together? It's that commitment to boost and safeguard physical health—whether it's smashing fitness goals or managing that long-term health hustle.
Well Being
By now we’ve already established that for Gen Z in the health and wellness zone, it's not just about rocking a six-pack or hitting the gym. Instead, they’re all in for getting their head in the game—stress management, emotional well-being, quality sleep, and having a brain that's on fire with max cognitive function, it's all part of the plan. 

Now, amongst our HWMCs, check out the “Health Hype-ster '' and the “Balance Bae ''. These guys are the champs of this big goal. They're not winging it here; they're all about active planning, diving into specific health and wellness products to turn that holistic dream into reality. The “Health Hype-ster'' looks at it from a medical standpoint, while our “Balance Bae'' sees it as more than a health kick—more of a lifestyle necessity. Different paths, but the same endgame. 

And hey, don't forget the "Versatile Viber" on our radar. This one's an individualistic explorer navigating based on their unique vibe. Their journey is dynamic, switching priorities from one fitness class to the next. What sets them apart though is their knack for skimming the surface, exploring a bunch of solutions without really locking into anything. It's all about that diverse experience for this one. 
Having elaborated on the magic pill of health and wellness, you can see it's like the ultimate Gen Z potion when it comes to health and wellness. It's like this cheat code for marketers to crack the Gen Z code – understanding their vibes, their minds, etc. Think of it as a sorting hat, but for decoding what's going on in Gen Z's heads. And you might be wondering, how can brands catch this Gen Z wave? Well, hold tight because this section is all about diving deep into category interactions and the nitty-gritty details that really make Gen Z tick.
Eyes on the Prize,
High-Fiving Bonus Wins!
When it comes to Gen Z and the health and wellness game, it's all about these three big goals. These goals? They’re the masterminds shaping how Gen Z rolls with different products and services in the category. Our Health & Wellness Main Characters (HWMCs) aren't just randomly grabbing things off the shelf; rather, they're on a mission. Think of them as health detectives, diving deep into the details, inspecting everything before making their next move. It's all about intentional choices as they work towards their core goal.

But wait, there's more! As we got to know Gen Z better and uncovered the outcomes tied to each HWMC using the Health & Wellness Magic Pill, we realized that even though they're laser-focused on their main goal as they interact with the category, they stumble upon these extra perks from the other two outcomes, and they're totally down for it. It's like finding a cool hidden feature in an app – unexpected but a sweet bonus.

Let’s break it down using the illustration below. On the X-axis, we've got the keystone intended outcomes – appearance, health, and overall well-being. These are the guiding stars lighting up Gen Z's journey in the Health & Wellness sector. Now, the Y-axis is all about Category Interactions, defining consumer behaviors across a variety of product offerings – be it an active or a more laid-back interaction – based on different personas and their intended outcomes.
Gen Z is playing a dual game, going all-in on some products while casually cruising through others. Their overall intended outcome guides how they navigate these interactions. Imagine this: the die-hard appearance enthusiasts are on a mission, actively seeking products like fitness gear, supplements, or diet goodies that sync up with their goals. But even in the midst of these focused choices, they're also kind of flirting with other aspects of the category.

Similarly, the health or overall well-being buffs are actively hunting down tailored products and services. Yet, they're also breezing through a more relaxed exploration of the diverse offerings in the health & wellness aisle. Thus, the quest for specific solutions goes hand in hand with a smooth ride through the broader spectrum of health & wellness products.
So brands, listen up!
When it comes to diving into the health and wellness scene, Gen Z is prioritizing product over brand so you've got to get inside people's heads about those three major health goals. The trick? Figure out where you stand among these health pillars and vibe with specific groups and your prioritized Health & Wellness Main Characters (HWMCs)

Talking about active and passive category interactions – it is a bit technical, but also super important. Use these category interactions to strategically tweak products, services, and marketing strategies to match the vibe of different HWMCs and their health objectives. For example, when Gen Z is actively hunting for products that fit their health goals, it's showtime for brands. Consumers are deep into research mode, figuring out how your product fits into their wellness routine. So, seize the moment when their attention is at its peak in this window of time wherein they are highly engaged in a category that they are more than willing to spend time on understanding better.

And for brand offerings that fit the more passive category intersections of specific Health & Wellness Main Characters (HWMCs), well, that's your golden ticket to connect with those who are up for experimenting and trying new things.

Ultimately, the secret sauce? Understand the intricacies of the HWMCs, respect their evolving goals, tweak your offerings and marketing game accordingly, and you won't just sell products; you'll create real connections that stick. It's all about getting the vibe right for real success!

A Quick Recap
  • Gen Z's Insta-speed life takes a detour in health and wellness, embracing Insta-patience—ditching quick fixes for intentional experimentation and a sustained and incremental approach to well-being.
  • Equipped with digital know-how, Gen Z future-proofs their life by prioritizing health and wellness early on, eliminating the need to over plan other aspects – because careful health and wellness planning paves the way for carefree living in other domains of their life.
  • Health is not just medicine and Wellness is not just meditation. Health & Wellness are like inseparable BFF’s teaming up towards building and sustaining a well-balanced life.
  • Health and wellness aren't just choices for Gen Z; instead, they represent an identity-defining lifestyle. Young people proudly showcase their health-centric personas as badges of honor and social currency.
  • Gen Z gives active category interactions a broader window of attention and consideration as compared to a more open and experimentative approach towards passive category interactions.
About us
Spring Marketing capital is a skin-in-the-game marketing value-added investment firm that looks to invest in consumer-facing startups. We aim to unlock business value through timely marketing intervention, and help our partner brands become the market-leading and defining brands in their respective categories. An integral part of our life is dedicated to spending time with consumers to understand their habits, make sense of their attitudes and predict their behaviours.