What’s Defining Wellness in 2025? Here’s What 5 Experts Say
Athletech News spoke to several industry leaders to uncover the trends, innovations and shifts set to drive the wellness industry this year — and likely next
Longevity. Holistic wellness. Anti-aging. Metabolic health. Gut health. Femtech. Once niche buzzwords reserved for the wellness-savvy, these terms have entered mainstream conversations, sparking discussions among friends and peers.
As many focus on foundational steps to take control of their health, others are diving deeper—embracing cutting-edge technologies and tools that aim to enhance vitality and, hopefully, extend their lifespan.
It’s an exciting space, but it can be overwhelming—especially when trying to distinguish fleeting fads from lasting trends poised to shape the future of the wellness industry.
With a new year underway, Athletech News connected with leaders across various health sectors to explore the trends and technologies they believe will define the wellness landscape in 2025 and beyond.
AgelessRx Co-Founder Reflects on Potential of GLP-1 Microdosing and Rapamycin
Dr. Sajad Zalzala, chief medical officer and co-founder of AgelessRx, expects Geroprotective therapies (interventions tackling aging) to pick up speed in 2025, building on the momentum of research released in recent years.
His telehealth company, centered on longevity, has captured the interest of consumers averaging 50 years old and high-performers who need to squeeze the most out of every breath.
“I suspect we will see a wider and broader interest in Rapamycin as it gets studied for chronic fatigue syndrome, long COVID, female fertility, oral health, chronic pain and more,” Dr. Zalzala adds, referencing the FDA-approved drug.
He also projects that NAD+ will continue to experience strong interest due to its versatile benefits across several health domains and its pop culture ties, catapulted in part by Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner, NAD+ fans.
At the same time, Dr. Zalzala also expects GLP-1 medications to gain interest for its benefits beyond weight loss, appealing as a solution to those struggling with inflammation and addiction. He also predicts an emphasis on GLP-1 microdosing for cost effectiveness, longevity benefits and tolerance in the near future. Dr. Zalzala isn’t alone; functional medicine expert Dr. Frank Lipman also sees the potential of GLP-1 microdosing.
In addition to a focus on mental wellness and cognitive health, the AgelessRx co-founder also projects an increase in personalized wellness tools.
“As people are becoming more interested in the inner workings of their bodies, we’re seeing more demand for micronutrient and microbiome testing as well as using wearables to guide therapies and outcomes,” Dr. Zalzala says.
23andMe’s Dr. Abul-Husn on the End of One-Size-Fits-All Solutions
23andMe’s vice president of genomic health, Dr. Noura Abul-Husn, shares Dr. Zalzala’s prediction on personalized wellness.
“Personalized wellness, driven by the unique intersection of genetic insights and blood/biological age data, will have a lasting impact into 2025 and beyond,” Dr. Abul-Husn says. “People are becoming more interested in tailoring their fitness and health routines to their unique genetic makeup, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for everyone.”
Similarly, Dr. Abul-Husn believes the emphasis on mental wellness also has staying power — with mindfulness, meditation, breathwork and stress management becoming an essential part of a comprehensive health stack.
“Focusing on mental health and implementing practices like meditation and mindfulness can alleviate stress and anxiety, factors that can contribute to neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s,” Dr. Abul-Husn says. “As we continue to understand even more about the connection between mental and physical health, these holistic approaches will only become more prevalent.”
This year, we are also likely to see generalized health recommendations like recommended daily allowances and general nutritional guidelines fade, predicts Dr. Abul-Husn.
“Advances in personalized wellness and nutrition are showing that factors like age, weight, daily activities and even genetics influence nutritional requirements,” she says. “Genomics and other technologies are helping provide a clearer picture of one’s specific health needs. This shift supports an approach where nutrition and health recommendations are tailored to each person’s lifestyle and genetic makeup or biology, offering more precise guidance that can improve health and longevity.”
NextSense’s Caitlin Shure Excited for Closed-loop Wearables, Rise of Femtech
NextSense head of product and content Caitlin Shure, PhD, is eyeing several trends for 2025, related to wearables, femtech and women’s health.
While sporting a wearable on the wrist has become commonplace, Dr. Shure points out that there is a desire for wearable devices to be discreet, comfortable and even stylish.
“Products like the Oura Ring have become popular due to their sleek design and comfort, and future wearables will likely emphasize these aspects to appeal to a broader audience,” Dr. Shure says. “Current wearable form factors, such as bulky EEG headbands, remain less socially acceptable, limiting mainstream adoption. With the next generation of wearables, companies are striving to integrate advanced technologies like EEG into more subtle, fashionable designs—making health tracking not only functional but also aesthetically appealing for everyday wear.”
She also hints at an exciting new development in the wearable tech space: closed-loop wearables that create feedback loops to make adjustments for optimal health, such as automatically adjusting settings for relaxation or signaling users when their stress levels are too high. Advancements like these are what position wearables as an active partner in health management rather than a simply passive tracker, she says.
Tech company NextSense is leading the way in the space, having created brain-responsive earbuds that support sleep and energy enhancement.
Notably, Dr. Shure points out the rising femtech industry — an exciting and important space that is focused on products addressing women’s health needs – is poised to grow rapidly in 2025 and beyond.
“With ongoing advancements in menstrual tracking, hormonal health, reproductive support and even menopause management, femtech is gaining traction as a valuable sector within wellness,” Dr. Shure says. “From apps to wearable devices tailored to women’s unique health needs, femtech innovations are becoming a crucial part of both preventative and personalized health. This continued focus on women’s health reflects a broader trend toward inclusive wellness and the development of tech that acknowledges different health needs across demographics.”
Dr. Davis Champions Heart Health, Metabolic Disease Solutions
Humann chief cardiologist Dr. Chris Davis, FACC, offers a compelling prediction for 2025 that is right in his wheelhouse: the endothelial glycocalyx.
For laypersons who are unfamiliar with this gel-like layer of glycoproteins, Dr. Davis assures that we will soon hear more about its role in maintaining healthy blood vessels and preventing heart disease.
“Many people don’t know that the glycocalyx is a layer that lines the inside of your arteries, shielding them from damage and helping keep blood cells, white blood cells and cholesterol molecules flowing smoothly through your arteries,” Dr. Davis says. “A healthy glycocalyx helps ensure that your arteries produce nitric oxide, a vital molecule for maintaining healthy blood flow and blood pressure.”
Humann, a heart health supplement company, welcomed the triple board certified physician to their team last summer.
Dr. Davis also points to the increased interest in cardiometabolic health, which has become a more common focus as more individuals discover the connection between cardiovascular health and properly functioning metabolic systems. This attention will likely lead to awareness of new remedies.
“For example, studies show the benefits of berberine as a tool to support blood sugar and blood pressure management, insulin resistance and cholesterol levels, and we may see a rise in the popularity for solutions like these to help mitigate metabolic disease,” Dr. Davis says.
Dr. Bulsiewicz Explores Gut-Immune Connection, Microbiom Nutrition
While Dr. Davis has the heart covered, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a gastroenterologist and founder of gut health supplement company 38Tera, noted the growing awareness of gut-immune connection.
“2025 will be the year people prioritize their gut health not just for digestion, but for whole-body immunity,” he says. “The gut and the immune system are inseparable, and the best way for us to reduce inflammation is by healing the gut. You will hear more about this in the coming year.”
The New York Times bestselling author of “Fiber Fueled” also points out that there’s a new generation of gut health supplements in the pipeline for this year.
“I’m excited to play a central role in making this happen,” Dr. Bulsiewicz says, adding that he launched 38Tera last year. “Our flagship product – DMN, or Daily Microbiome Nutrition – is a powerful overhaul of Grandma’s orange drink using cutting edge science and premium ingredients. It helps you feed your microbes daily in a way that’s easy, delicious and effective. In 2025, 38Tera will expand its range with evidence-based solutions to common gut issues.”
Much like the other experts in their respective fields, he emphasizes the role of personalization when it comes to the future of the wellness industry.
“This year, personalized gut health solutions will dominate the wellness space, with microbiome testing and tailored nutrition plans becoming more accessible than ever,” he adds. “This is something I’m personally involved with as the U.S. medical director of ZOE.”
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