A quarter of U.S. adults give the nation's physical health a failing grade, according to a new survey.
A survey of 2,000 health and wellness consumers explored perspectives on the country's overall health, finding that a similar percentage graded mental health nationwide just as poorly (25%).
Nine in 10 respondents revealed that they're just as guilty, admitting that they have "bad" health habits (88%).
As a result, 78% say they're now prioritizing their physical health, with many embracing a return to clean, trusted solutions.
Concerns about the healthcare system may be contributing to this shift.
According to a second survey of 1,000 health and wellness consumers conducted by Talker Research for Vimergy, just 24% are very satisfied with the U.S. healthcare system today.
Only 15% say they trust pharmaceutical companies "very much."
More than half of respondents (53%) believe pharmaceutical companies prioritize profits and selling medication over actually curing disease or supporting long-term health (18%).
And 79% of health and wellness consumers from the second survey even think that the healthcare system benefits when people stay sick.
As a result, half of Americans from the second survey don't trust pharmaceutical companies to act in their best interest (48%).
The growing skepticism may reflect frustration with a system built to treat symptoms, not root causes, with 77% of respondents from the second survey expressing this belief.
Faced with these challenges, many Americans are looking for alternatives to traditional approaches. Results found that for many, that means reaching for products designed to help them feel better, think cleaner and live longer. Eight in 10 respondents said they're interested in living "cleaner" this year.
In order to achieve the lifestyle they're looking for, the average American estimates that they'll need to change 42% of their current habits.
This journey will include being more mindful about what goes into their bodies by committing to drinking more water (70%), consuming more whole foods (52%) and taking their vitamins (47%).
In fact, three times as many people believe the average person working toward a health goal should try natural solutions first (36%) over prescribed medications (12%).
Americans are approaching their health decisions carefully. Although nearly a fifth of those surveyed know at least 10 people who use prescription drugs, nearly a quarter (22%) admit they don't trust those medications.
Twenty-eight percent of respondents from the first survey said they've tried a health product that ended up being misleading, with half of those who don't trust prescription drugs afraid of using them.
With 54% saying that consistently taking vitamins is one of the most impactful changes they can make for a "naturally clean" lifestyle, the data suggests that many are turning to products designed for long-term vitality, not quick fixes.
"This data reflects what we hear every day: people want products that help support immunity, detoxification, energy, brain function and wellbeing at the root," said Philip Jacobson, chief brand officer of Vimergy. "They want timeless supplements that actually make a difference in how they feel. We're proud to help people reclaim their health, one drop, one dose and one decision at a time."
"CLEAN LIVING" GOALS
"Limit or stop eating processed and artificial ingredients in food.""I already use makeup that's clean but I'm trying to switch brands gradually on stuff like cleaning supplies and shampoo.""Drinking more water.""Getting into a much better physical body and being more active socially, mentally and emotionally.""To avoid sweets and cut down on fats and processed foods.""Less time on my phone.""Less stress.""Eating more fruits and vegetables.""I need more natural pills, not prescription pills.""Having a clear, active mind, exercising more, quitting smoking cigarettes.""Getting good sleep.""Limiting screen time.""I want to worry less, exercise a little more and take as few medications that I can get by with, including over the counter drugs. Limiting my caffeine consumption would also be good.""To be relaxed, less anxious, to get closure on things affecting my emotional and mental health.""Clear my mind of unnecessary thoughts."
CLEAN LIFESTYLE ACTIONS AMERICANS WILL TAKE IN 2025
Drinking more water -- 70%Exercising more -- 70%Reducing stress levels -- 60%Getting more/better quality sleep -- 58%Avoiding processed foods/eating more whole foods -- 52%
Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 health and wellness consumers; the survey was commissioned by Vimergy and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Dec. 20 and Dec. 30, 2024.
Talker Research surveyed another 1,000 health and wellness consumers; the survey was commissioned by Vimergy and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between April 15 and April 21, 2025.
We are sourcing from a non-probability frame and the two main sources we use are:
Traditional online access panels -- where respondents opt-in to take part in online market research for an incentiveProgrammatic -- where respondents are online and are given the option to take part in a survey to receive a virtual incentive usually related to the online activity they are engaging in
Those who did not fit the specified sample were terminated from the survey. As the survey is fielded, dynamic online sampling is used, adjusting targeting to achieve the quotas specified as part of the sampling plan.
Regardless of which sources a respondent came from, they were directed to an Online Survey, where the survey was conducted in English; a link to the questionnaire can be shared upon request. Respondents were awarded points for completing the survey. These points have a small cash-equivalent monetary value.
Cells are only reported on for analysis if they have a minimum of 80 respondents, and statistical significance is calculated at the 95% level. Data is not weighted, but quotas and other parameters are put in place to reach the desired sample.
Interviews are excluded from the final analysis if they failed quality-checking measures. This includes:
Speeders: Respondents who complete the survey in a time that is quicker than one-third of the median length of interview are disqualified as speedersOpen ends: All verbatim responses (full open-ended questions as well as other please specify options) are checked for inappropriate or irrelevant textBots: Captcha is enabled on surveys, which allows the research team to identify and disqualify botsDuplicates: Survey software has "deduping" based on digital fingerprinting, which ensures nobody is allowed to take the survey more than once
It is worth noting that this survey was only available to individuals with internet access, and the results may not be generalizable to those without internet access.
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