The Gen XY Lifestyle
Lack of motivation a major obstacle for Singaporeans achieving health goals
Herbalife’s Asia Pacific Health Priority Survey finds a majority of Asia Pacific respondents are more health conscious due to the pandemic.
Herbalife recently released the findings of its Asia Pacific Health Priority Survey. Respondents, aged 18 to 78, were polled in April 2023 across 11 Asia Pacific markets.
The survey found that 7 out of 10 respondents (77 percent) in the Asia Pacific region became more health conscious because of the Covid-19 pandemic. This was most evident in Thailand (93 percent), Indonesia (92 percent), the Philippines (87 percent) and Vietnam (86 percent).
Compared to our regional counterparts, Singapore-based respondents were less health conscious, with only 69 percent indicating an increased level of health consciousness as a result of the pandemic. A higher percentage of Singapore respondents (45 percent) perceive “a lack of motivation” as a barrier to achieving their health goals compared to other countries in the Asia-Pacific region (39 percent).
Shifting and achieving health priorities
Despite some respondents sharing their main obstacle, many other respondents have shared that their health priorities post-pandemic have shifted. They share (62 percent) that there is a a greater focus on living a healthy, active lifestyle, achieving a holistic approach to health, and getting adequate sleep.
Singapore respondents’ top 3 health goals in 2023 include:
- Improved overall health (56 percent)
- Better sleep (49 percent)
- Weight loss (40 percent)
Spending on health priorities
Alongside a positive mindset of health consciousness, 7 out of 10 respondents (72 percent) in the Asia Pacific region shared that they are willing to increase their spending related to health and wellness. Generation Z and Millennials are more willing to increase their spending on health and wellness (77 percent), in comparison to Generation X and Boomers (67 percent).
In Singapore, 63 percent of respondents surveyed recognize the importance of investing in health, and are willing to spend more to:
- Make healthier food choices (70 percent)
- Go for regular health check-ups (48 percent)
- Purchase / consume dietary supplements (44 percent)
- Seek mental health consultation (20 percent)
- Engage experts for advice (18 percent)
Using a support group to help achieve health goals
A support group can play an important role in overcoming the challenges to increase the odds of reaching the goals. This was a sentiment shared by most of the survey respondents (84 percent) across the 11 Asia Pacific markets surveyed. A support group can provide benefits that include:
- Providing guidance and encouragement (62 percent)
- Sharing of valuable experience and knowledge (58 percent)
- Accountability on their health journeys (45 percent)
- Reaching out for health-related advice (43percent)
