Read our full analysis for a more in-depth look at these trends.
Wellness, part 1: The rise of the wellness economy
A tech-driven world is reshaping health and accelerating growth in the global wellness economy.
May 2026
Key takeaways
- While technology drives progress, it also introduces health risks, as constant connectivity and AI-driven tools increase reliance on screens at the expense of in-person interaction. Prolonged screen exposure is linked to poor posture, eye strain, obesity and loneliness, with tech-related health conditions estimated to cost the global economy at least $7 trillion annually.
- Physical and mental health are interconnected, with stress in one area often spilling into the other. As tech-related health risks grow, BofA Global Research emphasizes the rising importance of multidimensional wellness solutions, spanning physical, emotional and social wellbeing.
- According to Global Wellness Institute, the US wellness economy is valued at around $2 trillion - the largest in the world - and accounts for roughly 30% of the global market. With a population of about 340 million, this equates to approximately $6,000 in annual wellness spending per person.
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