A growing number of Americans are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence (AI) to manage their health and wellness, marking a shift in how people seek health guidance. According to a nationwide survey of 2,000 U.S. adults, 35% report already using AI to understand and manage aspects of their well-being, such as meal planning, fitness advice, and even fact-checking medical information they’ve received from doctors, friends, or social media. This trend highlights the growing integration of AI into daily health routines, with 63% of Americans finding AI to be trustworthy for health guidance—surpassing the trust levels in social media (43%) and influencers (41%), though still lower than the confidence in doctors (93%) or friends (82%).
The trend is part of a broader cultural shift in wellness, with 73% of Americans expressing a desire to stay updated with the latest health trends and 68% anticipating a greater role for AI in the future of wellness. The findings suggest that while AI is becoming a valuable tool for self-care, individuals are still seeking professional guidance and reliable sources of information. Muriel Gonzalez, president of The Vitamin Shoppe, emphasizes that AI is just one aspect of a larger wellness evolution, highlighting the importance of combining technology with trusted health practices. As AI continues to advance, its role in personal health decisions is likely to expand, raising questions about the balance between technological convenience and human expertise in healthcare decisions.
Furthermore, the survey reveals that a quarter of users (24%) are even using AI to fact-check information they’ve heard from doctors, friends, or social media. This underscores the growing need for accurate and accessible health information, particularly as misinformation spreads rapidly across digital platforms. The convenience of AI, with 31% of users preferring it over searching Google and 27% finding it easier than consulting health professionals, adds to its appeal in a fast-paced world. However, experts caution that while AI can offer personalized insights, it should not replace professional medical advice, especially for complex health issues. The integration of AI into wellness routines reflects a larger societal trend toward proactive health management and the desire for more tailored health solutions.
The rise of AI in health guidance is also linked to broader changes in consumer behavior. For instance, supplements remain a central part of many wellness routines, with 69% of Americans currently taking them. The availability of diverse delivery formats, such as gummies, chews, and liquids, has made it easier for 34% of individuals to maintain their supplement plans. Meanwhile, adaptogens like shilajit are gaining traction among younger consumers, and innovations such as NAD+ for longevity and peptides for recovery are seeing rising demand. These trends indicate that Americans are not only embracing technology for health advice but are also incorporating a wide range of wellness products into their daily lives, signaling a more holistic approach to health.
As AI continues to evolve, its influence on health decisions is expected to grow. The survey’s findings suggest that while people trust AI for basic guidance and fact-checking, they still value the expertise of healthcare professionals. This dynamic highlights the ongoing challenge of integrating technology with traditional health practices. The future of wellness, as suggested by the survey, may involve a more personalized, data-driven approach that combines the benefits of AI with the insights of medical professionals. Ultimately, the role of AI in health decisions raises important questions about privacy, data security, and the ethical implications of relying on technology for critical health advice.
The shift toward AI in health management is also part of a larger conversation about the role of technology in everyday life. While AI offers convenience and personalized insights, concerns about data privacy and the potential for misinformation remain. As more Americans turn to AI for health advice, it is crucial to ensure that these tools are developed with transparency, accuracy, and a commitment to ethical standards. The balance between technological advancement and responsible use will be instrumental in shaping the future of health care and wellness in the United States.