Dr. Ruhil Badiani, family physician at Cornerstone Clinic in Dubai, discusses the key health and wellness trends for the year ahead
Health and wellness mean different things to different people. For me, it’s about eating healthy and working out regularly, but for others, it might involve meditation, reading a book, or unwinding with a hot bath. Everyone has a unique perspective, especially with the health and wellness industry expanding so rapidly. At the start of the new year, many embrace the mantra “New year, new me.” Gyms fill up, and my clinic gets busier with patients seeking general health checkups. What are the new trends this year? For 2025, it seems the focus is on embracing a mix of innovative solutions, ancient wisdom, and everything in between. Here are seven topics I think will be shaping the industry this year.
Dr. Ruhil Badiani, family physician at Cornerstone Clinic in Dubai
Personalised Technology-led Health Plans
Advances in technology have made personalised wellness more accessible than ever. Genetic testing, microbiome analysis, and AI-driven health apps now provide tailored diet and exercise recommendations based on individual needs. People are moving away from one-size-fits-all plans and towards strategies that address their unique biology and lifestyle. For example, leveraging genetic and gut health data to create custom wellness solutions. Using wearables that monitor real-time data, such as blood glucose levels, to make informed dietary decisions is also expected to see even greater growth.
Mass Awareness of Mental Health
The stigma surrounding mental health continues to diminish, with increased emphasis on therapy, mindfulness, and stress management. In 2025, this trend is expanding to include
Digital therapy tools, such as AI chatbots and telehealth services can provide easily accessible mental health support. Community-oriented wellness is expected to see growth too, with group meditation, communal art therapy, and collective fitness programmes, with each emphasizing connection and shared healing. Workplace mental wellness is expected to come into focus too. Companies are investing in mental health resources like counselling and stress management programmes for employees, recognising the link between well-being and productivity.
A Duality Between Sustainability and Health
Eco-friendly health and wellness products are expected to see an increase in demand, pushing brands to adopt sustainable practices. For example, this includes recyclable and biodegradable packaging. From protein powders to skincare products, companies are minimizing waste. A growing number of brands are also achieving carbon-neutral or net-zero certifications, ensuring their operations do not contribute to climate change.
Longevity and Cellular Ageing
2025 is expected to witness a surge in interest in longevity, with many seeking ways to live longer, healthier lives. This is one area I am particularly interested in as modern medicine often extends life but sometimes at the expense of quality, including emerging trends such as cellular health. Advanced diagnostics are also growing including detection of diseases through cutting-edge biomarkers and enabling preventive health strategies.
Virtual Reality Fitness and Therapy
Virtual reality is transforming how people approach fitness and mental wellness, especially for those that are gym-shy, (like me!) VR platforms now offer immersive workouts through pps like Supernatural and FitXR which allow users to engage in high-energy fitness routines in virtual environments, making exercise more engaging and entertaining. There is also exposure therapy where VR helps individuals confront phobias or trauma in controlled, simulated environments.
Holistic Hormone Health
Hormone health is stepping into the spotlight, we are more aware of how decreasing hormone levels can impact our quality of life and risks of chronic health diseases. Key developments include education and awareness. Discussions around menstrual health, menopause, and andropause (yes, men suffer from a lack of hormones too!) are becoming mainstream, breaking long-standing taboos. Other things expected to be in the spotlight include natural hormone regulation and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).
Nature-Integrated Wellness
People are reconnecting with nature to boost their physical and mental health. This trend spans forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku): Immersing oneself in natural environments is being recognized for its stress-reducing and immunity-boosting benefits. Lifestyle medicine is also expected to grow in 2025. Integrating healthy habits like balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management into daily routines to prevent and manage chronic diseases.
The health and wellness trends of 2025 show how much we are all craving balance, sustainability, and a more personal approach to feeling good. With technology and holistic practices coming together, it is easier than ever to take charge of your well-being. Whether it’s personalized nutrition, a VR workout, or just a relaxing walk in nature, there is something for everyone. the future of wellness is as diverse as it is promising.
