The top 10 health trends for 2009

There are two major forces determining health trends for us in 2009. One not within our control is the economy emptying our wallets and the second within our control is our individual health status.

Until the global economy went into a tailspin in 2008, the job market was strong, cash went further, workloads were easier, jobs were secure and credit was easy to come by. All this translated into increased consumerism and the trend of eating out frequently.

However, as we settle into a more sedate 2009, we are all a little more cautious; with less cash to burn, less secure in our jobs and understanding the urgent need to get a grip on reality. This will translate into less cash for discretionary spending as we prioritise essential costs such as personal health over social expenditures.

So, what does 2009 have in store for us, health-wise?
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Eating in is now replacing eating out -- The economy will have an impact on one's food and beverage decisions, including less pubbing and eating more often at home.
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Preventive healthcare -- Everyone is sitting up to look into their family history for chronic lifestyle diseases, understanding their risk factor for developing diabetes, heart disease and obesity and making the effort to change their diet/ lifestyles. Prevention finally takes center-stage as health costs for chronic disease management spiral out of control.
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Merging wellness programmes -- Traditional (primary, medical) protocols are increasingly being used in tandem with non-traditional (alternative) therapies such as yoga, acupuncture, stress management and detox diets.
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Integrating healthcare and technology -- In greater numbers, people are surfing for health information online and communicating with their healthcare providers through mobile and web-based technology. With time and money constraints, many net-savvy young individuals are opting for online programmes as the first (and sometimes the only) line of preventive health care.
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Increasing demand for anti-aging and weight-loss solutions -- Liposuction, bariatric surgery, botox, laser hair removal and other cosmetic procedures are gaining momentum as the competition lowers rates. This trend is picking up speed and has gained a tremendous market share in just the past one to two years. Men are increasingly demanding these traditionally female treatments and we can thus expect that in 2009, they will represent a growing segment of the aesthetic surgery market in Asia.
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Increasing demand by consumers for the 'right to know' -- While nutrition labeling on packaged foods is now common, calorie-listings on restaurant menu plans and dated produce for safety and freshness will soon follow. As obesity and diabetes problems grow, supermarkets will begin to offer health-conscious consumers additional information to help them select a balanced diet. This could be in the form of new food-labelling programmes that attempt to simplify the identification of nutritious foods.
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The eco-trend will mature to become an eco-commodity -- Health and wellness products and awareness programmes increasingly help individuals become one with the environment.
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Nutraceuticals -- Increasing use of food or plant-based products that offer health benefits. Examples are antioxidants, vitamin and mineral supplements and some herbal remedies. This industry will be taking off in a big way in 2009 and beyond.
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Health insurance sector -- Employers and health insurers will begin to offer full or partial coverage for everything from weight-loss advice and gym memberships to programmes that help employees quit smoking or reduce stress.
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Getting serious about childhood obesity -- Childhood obesity is showing alarming trends. Evidence suggests that diet and lifestyle patterns need to be in the spotlight beginning as early as preschool age. We can expect more ranges of pure, natural and health-boosting toddler foods to hit the shelves. We will see an emerging trend by the hospitality/ food and beverage industry to start offering healthier options targeting older children.

NutritionVista.com

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It's interesting to note that laser hair removal is included in one of the top 10 health trends this year.