Thailand is experiencing a surge in the lifestyle medicine trend, which is reshaping the health supplement market significantly. This trend has prompted many health-conscious individuals to reevaluate their approach to wellness and nutrition, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of maintaining good health.
According to JSP Thailand, the health supplement market has seen remarkable growth, currently valued at over 100 billion baht. The rising consumer awareness around health and wellness is set to propel the market growth to between 10-15% by 2025. This increase is largely attributed to increasing behavioral changes stemming from the pandemic, where people have become more engaged with their health.
Pisanu Dangprasert, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer of JSP Thailand, emphasized, "Lifestyle medicine is becoming increasingly popular as people seek ways to manage their health more sustainably." This approach focuses on lifestyle changes, including proper nutrition, exercise, stress management, and adequate rest, to promote long-term health and prevent disease.
The growing interest in lifestyle medicine correlates with consumers shifting focus from conventional pharmaceuticals to natural remedies and dietary supplements. Pisanu noted, "Factors such as rising medication costs and longer wait times for public health services are leading consumers to explore alternative solutions." With prescription drug prices increasing by around 10% each year due to rising raw material costs, many are finding it more practical to invest in health supplements.
Some of the upcoming trends within the health supplement space include collagen, vitamin D, and gut health-focused products such as probiotics. Collagen remains highly sought after for its skin and joint health benefits. Vitamin D, important for immune function and bone health, is expected to see increased demand as more people become aware of their deficiency—which is common due to reduced sun exposure.
Health awareness has surged significantly, especially among working professionals over the age of 40. Previously, most health supplement consumers were aged 60 and above, but now this demographic is rapidly changing, with younger individuals actively seeking health solutions, predicting the younger population group's sales will equal those of older generations within five years.
JSP Thailand forecasts increasing sales of supplements targeting improved skin hydration, hormone balance for women, energy and endurance for athletes, and cognitive support through brain health supplements, addressing the urgent need for holistic health management. Pisanu remarked, "The market's expansion indicates there is tremendous potential for products addressing specific health concerns among various demographics."
Thailand's health supplement industry is on the cusp of evolution, integrating lifestyle choices as fundamental to health management. With the relevance of lifestyle medicine growing, consumers are shifting away from traditional medicines and embracing natural alternatives, which hold promise for sustainable health solutions.
This trend not only signifies changing consumer behavior but also marks the inception of preventive healthcare. People are beginning to see the value of managing their health proactively. With lifestyle medicine at the forefront, the health supplement market is set to undergo transformative growth, reflecting wider societal changes encompassing health, wellness, and natural living.
Looking forward, industry leaders anticipate this trend will continue to thrive, with the synergy between lifestyle adjustments and healthcare solutions leading to innovative product developments. The importance of proper dietary supplements, especially those made from natural ingredients, will play a major role. For Thailand, these changes mark the beginning of a new chapter in health and wellness, one where lifestyle medicine could redefine the approach to personal health.
