Gen Z and Health: Conscious, Stressed—and More Interested Than Ever

A Generation That Cares - Deeply

Gen Z approaches health differently than previous generations. They’re more open about mental health struggles, more skeptical of diet culture, more likely to choose plant-based options, and more interested in holistic well-being - not just looking good.

According to global surveys, over 70% of Gen Z say they prioritize mental health over physical appearance (1). At the same time, they're curious about how food, movement, sleep, and self-awareness are connected - but they’re looking for personalized, sustainable, science-backed solutions (2).

It’s not about perfection. It’s about understanding yourself, making intentional choices, and living authentically - despite constant comparison.

The Big Challenges: Screens, Stress, and Structure

Despite their awareness, Gen Z faces very real health challenges that differ from previous generations:

• Screen time and sedentary behavior: They spend an average of 7–9 hours per day in front of screens, affecting sleep, posture, eye health, and focus (3).
  
  
• Sleep disruption: Irregular routines, overstimulation, and late nights contribute to poor sleep quality.
  
  
• Nutrition confusion: TikTok and Instagram overflow with conflicting food advice - from “girl dinner” to raw vegan to keto. Many are nutrition-curious but lack structure and credible guidance.
  
  
• Mental overload: Climate anxiety, achievement pressure, and endless notifications increase the risk of stress-related issues - especially among young women (4).
  
  

The result? A generation that wants to feel good, but often feels overwhelmed by how.

The Strength: Gen Z Is Proactive and Curious

What sets Gen Z apart is their willingness to learn. They try meditation, adaptogens, sleep trackers, meal prep, and intermittent fasting - but often through a trial-and-error lens that can lead to confusion, obsession, or burnout.

This creates a unique opportunity: to provide support that offers structure without rigidity, insight without overload, and direction without pressure.

How Lifesum Supports Gen Z’s Approach to Health

Lifesum isn’t a quick fix. It’s a digital tool that helps young people understand themselves better, build healthy habits, and create lasting change - on their terms.

For Gen Z, this means:

• Personalization: Whether someone eats plant-based, flexitarian, or is trying intermittent fasting, Lifesum adapts to the individual.
  
  
• Nutritional awareness - not calorie obsession: Gen Z wants to know what they’re eating and how it affects them. Lifesum delivers clear nutritional insights, without judgment.
  
  
• Nutrition and well-being insights: By tracking meals and routines, users can start to see how their choices may influence how they feel - physically and mentally.
  
  
• Wearable integration: Lifesum connects with smart devices to sync nutrition, movement, and sleep in one simple, easy-to-use interface.
  
  

It’s also designed to motivate without pushing - something critical for a generation that values well-being over perfection.

For Gen Z, Health Means Authenticity - Not Performance

Ultimately, Gen Z doesn’t want to be optimized. They want to feel safe, energized, and balanced - in a world that often feels like the opposite. They don’t want prescriptive rules. They want information, reflection, and freedom to adjust.

This is where the future of health lies: in tools that adapt to the individual, insights based on evidence (not trends), and support that encourages self-agency - not control.

With the right support, Gen Z won’t just be the generation that talks about health. They’ll be the one that lives it—with clarity, care, and intention.