Media Contact: Beth McGroarty
[email protected] • +1.213.300.0107

Global Wellness Summit  |  Global Wellness Institute   |  Press Image Gallery  |  Press Release Archive 

New Research Shows the US Wellness Economy—Valued at $2 Trillion— Now Represents One-Third of Entire Global Wellness Economy

The research, made possible through collaboration with National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), shows the US continues to be the largest wellness market in the world, surpassing #2 China by more than $1 trillion

Miami, FL – March 4, 2025 – The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the leading nonprofit dedicated to research and education in the global wellness industry, has released new data on the United States’ fast-growing wellness economy, which at $2 trillion, is the largest in the world. The US market has ranked #1 since the GWI began measuring the global wellness economy in 2014, but strikingly, it is now widening its lead over other mega wellness markets. Today, the US wellness industry is more than $1.1 trillion larger than China’s—the second-largest market—and more than six times larger than Germany’s, which ranks third.

The US has the largest wellness economy, as well as one of the fastest-growing ones. It recorded 8.3% annual growth from 2019 to 2023, compared to 4.9% for China, 5.9% for Germany, and 3.1% for Japan. Remarkably, by 2023, the US market had expanded 37% beyond its pre-pandemic size in 2019.

Today’s $2 trillion US market represents nearly one-third (32%) of the entire global wellness economy, with American consumers spending more than $6,000 per person annually on wellness.

The 2025 report is available on GWI’s Geography of Wellness platform thanks to a continued partnership with NASM, a global leader in evidence-based education and certification for fitness and wellness professionals. For the third consecutive year, NASM’s sponsorship enabled the GWI to conduct comprehensive research across all 11 sectors of the US wellness economy.

“We are so grateful for NASM’s continued support of this research into the largest wellness market in the world,” said Susie Ellis, GWI’s chair & CEO. “With its mission to elevate industry standards through education and professional development, NASM is helping to make this important data available for free to those who need it most, from government entities to investors and business leaders—all of whom are keeping a close eye on this fast-growing market.”

“At NASM, we are committed to advancing the wellness industry through education, innovation, and data-driven insights,” said Kristin Carrico, chief commercial officer at NASM. “The US Geography of Wellness Report offers an essential perspective on the evolving industry, helping us better understand trends that impact fitness professionals, businesses and communities. By supporting this initiative, we reaffirm our dedication to empowering wellness professionals with the knowledge and resources they need to drive positive change. Access to this data enables industry leaders to make informed decisions, shaping the future of health and wellbeing in the US.”

The United States’ Wellness Economy

With a large pool of sophisticated consumers, the US wellness market is deep, dynamic and innovative. The US is a global innovation leader in many wellness sectors, pioneering new products, services and therapies in many spaces—from food and beverages, fitness programs, and mind-body treatments to recovery, sensory experiences, and diagnostic technologies that meet the emerging and diverse wellness needs of consumers. A growing number of Americans live and work in intentionally planned wellness real estate developments, which put human health and wellbeing at the center of their design and operations.

The US ranked #1 globally in nine of the 11 wellness sectors in 2023, including all of the sectors below:

  • Wellness Real Estate ($180.6 billion)
  • Physical Activity ($376.8 billion)
  • Healthy Eating, Nutrition and Weight Loss ($308.7 billion)
  • Mental Wellness ($107.9 billion)
  • Workplace Wellness ($17.9 billion)
  • Public Health, Prevention & Personalized Medicine ($285.9 billion)
  • Personal Care & Beauty ($363.5 billion)
  • Wellness Tourism ($300.6 billion, with 207.5 million wellness trips)
  • Spas ($28.7 billion)

Further details can be found here, including a detailed, downloadable country report entitled “The Global Wellness Economy: United States.”

Download the chart graphics / images HERE.

About the Global Wellness Institute

The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), a nonprofit 501(c)(3), is considered the leading global research and educational resource for the global wellness industry and is known for introducing major industry initiatives and regional events that bring together leaders to chart the future. GWI positively impacts global health and wellness by educating public institutions, businesses and individuals on how they can work to prevent disease, reduce stress and enhance overall quality of life. Its mission is to empower wellness worldwide.

About National Academy of Sports Medicine®

NASM is a global leader in evidence-based learning and certifications for fitness and wellness professionals. Building on over 35 years of expertise, NASM programs create a roadmap for fitness and wellness professionals to help their clients achieve better physical and mental performance in athletics and everyday life. NASM provides an industry-first training system, with the Optimum Performance Training (OPT™) model, creating robust courses and content based solely on science-backed research. Learn more at www.nasm.org