Filipinos pursue more wellness activities, but many see little health gain, survey says

Filipinos are doing more to look after their health than they were three years ago, but many say their efforts are not yet paying off, according to a survey by nutrition company Herbalife reported by Mindanao Times.

The company's Asia Pacific Wellness Culture Survey 2026 found that 76 percent of Filipino respondents now take part in a wider range of wellness activities, and 74 percent do them more often than three years ago. Some 91 percent called holistic health extremely important, and 83 percent said it matters more to them now than before.

Results lagged behind intentions, however. Only 58 percent said their physical health had improved over the past three years, while 61 percent reported better mental health and 59 percent better emotional health. Many respondents cited a lack of time and motivation as reasons they struggle to keep up healthy routines.

Respondents also said they want more help. According to the survey, 73 percent want more support for physical health, 55 percent for mental health and 50 percent for emotional health. More than half said that in the past year they had prepared or brought healthier food for others, or shared their wellness journey with someone.

Kinki Lau, general manager of Herbalife Philippines, said "intention alone is not enough" and called for better guidance, sustained motivation and accessible wellness education.

The report also cited a separate Innova Market Insights study that ranked sleep, stress and anxiety as the top consumer health concerns. It pointed to group activities such as pickleball and run clubs, along with the company's own Nutrition Clubs, as examples of communities that can help people stick with healthy habits.

The figures come from a company-commissioned survey. The source did not report its sample size or methodology.