LIFESTYLE-Magazine-Winter-2016

YOUNGSTERS APPY  to get their health advice online

H

ealth professionals have long been a trusted source of advice. But now it seems that young Brits are looking online for reliable information about healthy living. New research fromMintel reveals that younger consumers are more likely to trust online health information over doctors or pharmacists. When asked which source of information about healthy living they trust the most, 63% of 16-24 year olds said health professionals, while 65%said health websites and apps. Social media is also being tapped for advice, as 20%of those surveyed said they trust social media platforms as a source of information about healthy living, rising to 29%of 25-34-year-olds. Jack Ducke, Senior Consumer Lifestyles Analyst at Mintel, says: “With younger consumers increasingly pushed for time, it follows that when looking for information on health they exhibit a preference for time-saving resources. Furthermore, as doctor’s appointments have become more difficult to schedule, online sources offer a quick fix for an age group who are already well aligned with the digital world.” Today, 34%of Brits deem themselves more healthy than they were a year ago, with sentiment rising significantly amongst 16-34-year-olds (45%).

Online personal training programmes, like The Body Coach, have also been aracting interest, as almost one in ten (8%) have tried an online personal training programme and a further 8%have tried a health ingredient subscription service. However, when it comes to leading a healthier lifestyle, diet is top for many Brits. Indeed, a third (33%) of adults have tried to eat less meat, rising to 41%of women. Jack adds: “Aside from the environmental impact, scientists are increasingly suggesting that too much meat could be hazardous for people’s health. Interest in the trend has undoubtedly been driven by the significant media aention the issue has received in recent years, while a number of high profile celebrities have also made it fashionable to explore vegetarian and vegan diets.”

Young Brits are looking online

for reliable information

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