Survey: Health and wellbeing a financial priority for Americans

A survey from Medifast of 2,000 American adults found that 75% have been affected by inflation and 81% have cut down on their spending within the last six months. But despite these financial challenges 70% of respondents said they do not plan on letting their health and wellbeing falter, with 57% saying they would spend more time on their health and wellbeing in the coming year.

"Despite the challenging moments the world has faced over the past couple of years, it is no surprise that people are motivated to invest their time and resources into prioritizing their health and wellbeing," said Dan Chard, chairman and CEO of Medifast. "Consumer focus and awareness around health is stronger than ever and will remain important as we enter the new year.”

Other key findings include:

• Respondents were least likely to cut spending on health and wellbeing (23%) versus shopping (70%), entertainment (59%), food (58%), travel (51%), luxury goods and services (49%), their social life (48%), and hobbies (44%).
• Respondents prioritized health and wellbeing (63%) over other areas of their life including their career (26%), traveling (18%), dining out (17%) and their education (16%).
• Respondents shared that the top area that they would never cut down on spending is on their health and wellbeing (44%) and emphasized that it's important to prioritize spending time and money on your health above other areas in life (69%).
• U.S. adults know that being healthy isn't all about food and nutrition and know that their wellbeing is also impacted by sleep (72%), exercise (68%), and mental health (65%).