ROMA (ITALPRESS) – The Gen Z is giving more and more priority to its health in the present, with the aim of living longer and in better health conditions in the future. Doing physical activity regularly and taking several wellness supplements are just two of the actions implemented to achieve this, according to a research commissioned by Herbalife. A study conducted on 1,000 Gen Z adults in Italy shows that 64% of respondents believe to pay greater attention to their physical health than older generations, while 39% say they regularly think about their health in the long term.
The results of the online survey – conducted by IPSOS on 8,000 adults aged between 18 and 29 years in Poland, Turkey, Croatia, Romania, the Netherlands, Spain, France and Italy between 26 June 2026 and 10 July 2026. The respondents are representative of the general population between 18 and 29 years of age in each country according to gender and region – show a generation that is building long-term health habits since the young age: a large percentage of the Gen Z is located in the positive range of the spectrum of health and well-being (80%) and many do physical activity at least once a week (78%).
To confirm a more holistic vision of well-being, the Gen Z attributes to mental health the same importance reserved to physical health. If increasing energy levels (25%) and supporting immune function (21%) are among the main priorities, also cultivating a positive mental attitude (34%) and enhancing cognitive abilities (26%) are the first among the most important health goals.
Almost three-quarters of respondents believe that they pay more attention to their mental health than older generations (73%) and, perhaps it is not good news for the generation of their parents, for the Gen Z at 65 years has already been considered “elders”. As for their life expectancy, 80 years have been considered a realistic goal, basically in line with average data on life expectancy in Europe.
A trend that reflects the growing attention of the Gen Z to longevity is the use of dietary supplements: the vast majority of respondents already take some kind of supplement (76%).
Almost two thirds regularly take vitamins or minerals (63%) and more than one fifth uses products for sports nutrition and recovery, including protein shakes, creatine or electrolytes (22%).
From digital natives, members of the Gen Z turn to technology not only to monitor their health, but also to better understand it: a large majority already uses technological tools such as fitness app or monitoring devices (73%). In addition, 80% of respondents are willing to use new technologies and advanced health solutions, while almost a third party would be open to a personalized nutrition based on their DNA (31%).
Perhaps it is not surprising that the vast majority of respondents claim that social media influence their health and wellness habits (84%), while almost half use them as a source of advice (49%). Although a little less than a quarter of the Gen Z uses IA platforms to receive directions (22%), almost two-fifths turn to sources of their community, such as family members, friends and local groups dedicated to well-being (38%), to obtain information and support.
“The Gen Z could really be the first ‘super-generation’ in human history – comments Richard Allison, a member of Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board. It is likely to live longer and in better health than any previous generation, and this is partly due to the fact that it already gives priority to its health in the long term.
“It’s the demonstrationthat longevity is not something to focus on only in the most advanced stages of life and that health in the long run is built through daily habits of well-being, constant and developed over time. The Gen Z continues to live life at its best, but it does so in a more intelligent way, not necessarily with greater effort: it integrates regular exercise in its daily routine and ensures that nutrition best supports its health.”
For Benoit Haecker, Country manager Herbalife Italy, “Gen Z is adopting modern health solutions, such as state-of-the-art supplements and personal smart technologies, while continuing to address their local communities, including family and friends, to receive advice that you can trust in the path to a longer and healthier life.
“As a brand no. 1 in the world in nutrition for an active lifestyle, Herbalife is in a unique position to support the Gen Z in its health and wellness path. For over 45 years, we offer our customers nutritional products supported by science, together with a solidarity community that inspires people to adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle and achieve their health goals.”.
– photo office printing Herbalife –
(ITALPRESS).
