Five people break down their wellness budgets: ‘incredibly expensive and time-consuming’

Groceries, fitness classes and therapy all go under the wide umbrella of health expenses – and it all costs moneyWhat does it take to be well? The answer varies from person to person. For some, it may require prescription medication and yoga classes; for others, it could be a vegetarian diet and regular doctor visits. One thing is certain: it costs money.Americans spend more than $6,000 (£4,500) per person a year on wellness, according to the Global Wellness Institute. This makes the US “the largest wellness economy by far”. In the UK, per capita average wellness spending is $3,342 (£2,505).$280 for employer-sponsored healthcare$80 on psychotherapy$10 on a prescription medication$360 on personal training$20 on my gym membership (discounted with the personal training), and $45 on a protein-powder subscriptionI’m also part of a run club and rec sports league, which have an upfront cost for multiple months, but combined are about $75 per month. It’s funny, I don’t consider myself very athletic, but it sure doesn’t look that way from my spending.$35 on a prescription skincare subscription for a two-month supply (but I’m planning to cancel)$15 average on moisturizer/cleanser that will last multiple months£500 for groceries£400 for a ready-meal delivery subscription£40 for protein shakes Continue reading...

May 7, 2025 - 18:33

Five people break down their wellness budgets: ‘incredibly expensive and time-consuming’

Groceries, fitness classes and therapy all go under the wide umbrella of health expenses – and it all costs money

What does it take to be well? The answer varies from person to person. For some, it may require prescription medication and yoga classes; for others, it could be a vegetarian diet and regular doctor visits. One thing is certain: it costs money.

Americans spend more than $6,000 (£4,500) per person a year on wellness, according to the Global Wellness Institute. This makes the US “the largest wellness economy by far”. In the UK, per capita average wellness spending is $3,342 (£2,505).

$280 for employer-sponsored healthcare

$80 on psychotherapy

$10 on a prescription medication

$360 on personal training

$20 on my gym membership (discounted with the personal training), and $45 on a protein-powder subscription

I’m also part of a run club and rec sports league, which have an upfront cost for multiple months, but combined are about $75 per month. It’s funny, I don’t consider myself very athletic, but it sure doesn’t look that way from my spending.

$35 on a prescription skincare subscription for a two-month supply (but I’m planning to cancel)

$15 average on moisturizer/cleanser that will last multiple months

£500 for groceries

£400 for a ready-meal delivery subscription

£40 for protein shakes Continue reading...