Isabella Gannon is a junior behavioural analyst at Canvas8. She holds a BA in European Studies from Trinity College Dublin, and there became interested in the relationship between media, identity and visual culture. Outside of work, she’s frequently reading, going to gigs, and navigating obscure corners of wikipedia.

The narrative around chronic health conditions is shifting as people seek to reject societal taboos in favour of open dialogues and comprehensive solutions. With social media providing a platform to share their experiences, 

Gen Zers have opened up new, occasionally playful and humorous, discourse around IBS

, and they’re driving renewed interest in gut-friendly products as a proactive solution to digestive disorders. Meanwhile, ADHD has leapt into the global spotlight, and as healthcare systems struggle to keep pace with a spike in adult diagnoses, those affected are turning to community networks for support and 

to help manage their symptoms. As life expectancy increases, a paradigm shift in acknowledging health diversity is becoming increasingly relevant for the broader population. While the 

UK’s Centenarians are redefining old age

 is responding to the needs of this growing demographic by expanding its medical nutrition offering.

As new perspectives on health and wellness emerge, people are rejecting a one-size-fits-all approach and turning to technology to provide tailored healthcare solutions. With more generic health and fitness apps 

, wellness enthusiasts are fuelling demand for wearable tech that offers personalised metrics to help optimise health. While wearable offerings like 

 leverage users’ health data to maximise fitness personalisation, the German running app 

 is harnessing AI to help runners stay motivated and enhance their performance. In line with a growing interest in holistic health, assistive tech is gaining popularity as a way for people to take more control of their overall wellbeing. 

, for instance, allows users to monitor body and mind by providing advanced physiological data while normalising wearables that fit seamlessly into their lifestyle beyond the gym. Meanwhile, 

 takes technology integration to a new level by courting a new wave of health-focused travellers with a range of highly sophisticated and personalised wellness offerings.

Healthcare institutions have long overlooked women’s health, and demand is growing to bridge the gap. While the societal stigma around reproductive health has historically stunted progress in this field, conversations around underrepresented issues like 

menopause are being more broadly embraced

 and calls are increasing for updated healthcare solutions. Femtech is quickly advancing to help provide the necessary resources. While startups like 

 are providing at-home diagnostic tools in a bid to boost healthcare accessibility, brands elsewhere are stepping up to advocate for underserved conditions. Attempting to close the care gap around the endocrine disorder PCOS, the digital health platform 

Allara is cultivating a community of care

 that seeks to help those affected manage their symptoms. Similarly, femtech startup 

Guud combines personalised supplements with expert-led resources

 to provide tailored support to those who menstruate.

of people say healthcare is an important issue to them

With Gen Zers fully ready to embrace discourse and products for their gut, brands are working to keep up with scientific and social advancements around IBS and other digestive disorders in line with this shift. As the poo taboo comes to a close, what exactly do Gen Zers want and need?

How Gen Zers are changing the discourse around IBS

With wellness at the forefront of healthcare, the Oura Ring lets users take control of their lifestyle by providing easy-to-understand reports on overall health, beyond sleep and exercise. It reflects Americans’ growing desire to prioritize taking care of body and mind post-pandemic.

How Oura transforms holistic wellness into wearable tech

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common chronic disorder that affects women, trans men and non-binary people – yet it’s underdiagnosed and under-researched, leaving many struggling in silence. Digital health platform Allara addresses the hormone health gap by cultivating a community of care.

Why Allara is advocating for women’s hormone health

Gen Z men are transforming hair care, swapping traditional gels for products that prioritize health, hydration, and natural texture. Fueled by wellness trends and sustainability values, they demand clean, ethical formulations and embrace individuality. How will brands meet this self-care revolution?

Why Gen Z men are redefining hair care as wellness

Calm Tech Certification champions products that respect users' time and attention, spotlighting mindful design that minimizes distractions. From screenless devices to unobtrusive displays, the movement taps into rising demand for tech that fosters focus and wellbeing and addresses screen fatigue.

Calm Tech Certification empowers screen-fatigued users

Transdermal patches represent a new frontier in self-care as a novel way to target beauty concerns and highlight – rather than conceal – what the body goes through. Addressing acne and wrinkles and supplying vitamins, these patches highlight a growing desire for stylishly designed, shareable wellness.

How wearable patches are revolutionizing self-care

Creators on TikTok are turning the platform into a lifeline for tackling mounting medical bills, using engaging content to generate funds through views, gifts, and rewards. With seemingly insurmountable gaps in the US healthcare system, some Americans are turning to unconventional solutions.

Americans are using TikTok to pay their medical bills

American high schools are seeing ‘healthy masculinity’ clubs crop up as young men search for safe spaces to challenge stereotypes. In the face of growing gender divides, groups like these illustrate how people are taking proactive steps to care for their personal and communal identities.

Masculinity clubs at US schools offer community support

Boredom is rising, according to new research. Even though people are less bored now than they have been historically, the shift towards feeling bored is notable. For brands, there's an opportunity to surprise people with cultural experiences that ignite excitement and counter algorithm-led sameness.

Research on boredom highlights need for spontaneity

48 Collagen Café in Paris blends beauty and wellness through collagen drinks and treatments. Located in the trendy 9th arrondissement, it caters to the beauty-from-within trend, providing aesthetic lattes and rejuvenation sessions, making it a hub for quick, yet premium and experiential, self-care.

How 48 Collagen Café makes healthy drinks for beauty buffs

Apple’s 2024 Christmas ad spot has been applauded for its unique blend of heart and innovation, redefining hearing technology with purpose and elegance. It underscores the brand's renewed commitment to care, showcasing how it better connects with and uplifts diverse communities.

Apple pulls at heartstrings with Christmas ad

Libraries across the US are helping people get healthier, offering everything from fitness classes to blood pressure monitors that can be checked out like books. As the healthcare system falls short of everyone's needs, third-party institutions are stepping up to address gaps in care.

US libraries address healthcare gap with free services

With personal care products reflecting the skin-brain connection, neurocosmetics brand JustHuman meets Indians' demand for verifiable ‘clean beauty.' Using a science-backed approach, the brand caters to oft-ignored Gen X women, helping them battle negative environmental changes and stressors.

How JustHuman rethinks beauty for mindful women in India

The rise of ‘brain rot’ in 2024 captures fears over the mental toll of trivial online content. Brands can capitalise on this moment by offering balanced, meaningful alternatives that cater to the growing demand for thoughtful escapism, standing out in a sea of digital chaos.





Prevalence of 'brain rot' highlights escapist desires

As the Brazilian population struggles with rising obesity rates, the country has become a booming market for weight-loss drugs. The global demand for GLP-1 drugs is increasing, with some governments stepping in to expand accessibility and treatment to all, not just the wealthy. 

Brazil fuels major demand for weight-loss drugs

The health-focused scanning app Yuka has introduced a feature to bring power to shoppers pushing for changes in the food and beauty industries. This aligns with the high demand for transparency and accountability as people prioritise informed, ethical, and sustainable choices.

Yuka turns shoppers into change agents

The number of single women and female couples having fertility treatment in the UK has risen over the past decade. With family structures evolving and becoming more diverse, people are seeking greater access and choice – but barriers remain for those who fall out of 'traditional' norms. 

More single women and female couples are utilising IVF

A report from UN Women sheds light on the increasing amount of violence women and girls face around the world. In response to deepening gender divides, there’s a need for brands to not only showcase positive role models but also highlight the dangers that women and girls experience.

Report highlights threat of violence against women

TikTok is placing age restrictions on some of its beauty filters to address concerns about how they impact the mental health of its teenage users. With young people feeling increased pressure to look perfect online, there’s a need for more open dialog to combat toxic beauty standards.

TikTok blocks beauty filters for teens' mental health 

Sexual health charity Brook has released a series of films to spotlight the realities of imperfect sex. Acknowledging the prevalent pressure for sex to be ‘perfect’, the campaign aims to alleviate that anxiety by encouraging people to see the funny side when sex doesn’t pan out quite as they hoped.

Brook ad challenges unrealistic sexual expectations

Adidas transformed Berlin's Kraftwerk into a 3,000-person fitness-rave fusion event, blending Les Mills workouts with a nightclub atmosphere. The event reflects Gen Z's interest in experiential wellness and rave culture, simultaneously providing them with an authentic community-focused experience.

Berlin fitness rave turns club into workout festival

Berlin's club scene is evolving as wellness trends reshape nightlife. Once linked with excess, partygoers are now adopting supplements, IV drips, and sober-curious alternatives. Gyms mirror clubs, blending fitness with music, while hearing protection is turning rave fashion safety-conscious.

How Berlin’s club culture is merging with wellness

GLP-1 drugs aren't just suppressing appetites – brands like Hershey’s and Walmart have reported lower sales of snacks as more people avoid sugar and reduce their overall food consumption. Eating and drinking brands face a challenge in shaping their product development around this growing trend.

Hershey’s sales dip as appetite for GLP-1 drugs grows

Flexitarianism, or occasional vegetarianism, is finding new Australian converts every year thanks to a rise in health and environmental consciousness. Social media and foodie influencers have also played a role in popularising the trend but more work needs to be done to make flexitarianism more accessible, affordable, and enjoyable for the majority of Aussies.

Aussies are turning ‘flexitarian’ to fight climate change and heal their bodies

Dubbed 'winter arc', a fitness trend aimed towards men is spreading online. Seeped in language and optics that push for self-discipline and productivity, the trend speaks to how body optimisation is quickly becoming viewed as a year-round form of self-improvement for men.

'Winter arc' trend pushes body optimisation in winter

Bumble and Puma India have partnered to create a bespoke running event for single Gen Zers and Yers, combining fitness and dating. The event comes at a time when young people around the world are looking for unique experiences that blend wellbeing, community, and even romance.

Puma and Bumble partner for singles-only running event

Nike is reimagining community engagement through a Milan kiosk partnership with Mental Athletic, offering exclusive merchandise to running enthusiasts. By offering an experience that blend exercise, culture, and connection, the brand is reaching out to those seeking accessible fitness communities.

Nike creates cultural hub with Milan running kiosk

Australian men have a higher life expectancy than most of their global peers. But obstacles such as low health literacy, stereotypes of masculinity, and a lack of male-centred institutional support are keeping them from being healthier.

How to cater to Aussie men’s desire to be healthier

Paperwork takes up an enormous amount of time for healthcare providers. To help clinics focus on their patients’ health instead of admin tasks, a start-up is leveraging artificial intelligence to automate report writing procedures, giving them time back and boosting efficiency. 

Pharos taps AI to ease admin for medical staff

Sport and fashion are becoming more and more interwoven as sports stars front campaigns for high fashion brands and clothing labels make their mark between the lines. Now, the media is catching up as Carine Roitfield unveils a publication dedicated to the intersection of these two worlds.

Carine Roitfield courts fashion-conscious sports fans

Amid a state of permacrisis, droves of people are battling poor sleep and, in turn, shelling out big bucks on ways to enhance their slumber. But not all sleep aids are safe, leading MIT researchers to develop a headband that helps people fall asleep faster with minimal risk.

Elemind boosts Americans’ sleep quality with audio waves

Amid a loneliness epidemic, finding ways to build meaningful connections is crucial. While social support has typically centred on conversation, emerging research suggests gift-giving could be a key tool to help people feel more connected. How can giving gifts tackle loneliness, and what are the opportunities for brands to tap into?

That’s for me?! The science of gift-giving

In a fresh wave of online mysticism, claims about the link between 'ancestral karma' and misaligned teeth are circulating on TikTok. With perspectives on health growing increasingly holistic, the social media-based trend speaks to an ongoing convergence of spirituality and wellness.

‘Teeth karma’ trend points to spiritual-wellness fusion

All-day wearable fitness trackers that monitor our health outside of the gym are changing from bands, straps, and watches into jewellery and luxury goods. Why are people keen for their wearables to be high-fashion items? And how are brands entering this luxury market?

How are fitness trackers competing on cool to win luxury shoppers?

Despite the 2009 ban on the sale, import, and advertising of e-cigarettes, illegal vapes are becoming increasingly popular in Brazil as they sell through social media platforms. With people finding ways around the ban, there are differences of opinion on how to best move forward.

Brazilians use social media to hack national vape ban

Aussies are united by their love for sport, and the record-breaking attendance at the 2024 Australian Open is not the only proof of that. As online communities and content consumption habits evolve, what does it mean to be a sporty Australian, and how can brands place themselves accordingly?

How can brands win over sporty Australians?

For Gen Alphas, skateboarding isn’t just a sport – it’s a chance to build community, channel creativity, and express oneself. As more children and teens turn to skateboarding as both a way to stay active and a wider lifestyle, what does this say about the connections young people form with sport?

Who are the Gen Alpha skateboarders?

A new campaign by Australian Unity reflects the challenge of balancing work and life through multiple life stages, improving representation and services for older Australians. The campaign highlights an opportunity for brands to consider the evolving health needs of older shoppers.

Australian Unity spotlights balance throughout life

A rapidly ageing population and recent economic boom are giving rise to a new model of senior living in South Korea. Blending independence with high-end leisure and luxury, interest in services designed for ageing on one's own terms is emerging in the East.

South Korean seniors seek out luxury retirement homes

Changing norms around male grooming, new-age body ideals and cosmetic advancements are causing an uptick in men seeking six-pack surgery. Grappling with new pressures around appearance and status, surgical treatments are seen as the quick-fix path to self-improvement for a growing number of men.

Body dissatisfaction leads men to undergo ab-sculpting

Focusing on pleasure over performance, the Slow Cycling Club is the collaboration brainchild between two leading French sports brands. With a focus on slowness and satisfaction, the shift highlights a growing desire for a softer approach to endurance sports.

Slow Cycling Club apparel champions mindful cycling

Chinese people are hiring emotional support companions for hikes, highlighting a larger cultural trend of addressing loneliness through paid companionship. As the loneliness epidemic continues to impact daily life, people are seeking revitalised and supportive ways to socialise.

Chinese hikers are paying climbing buddies for support

Pharmaceutical companies have turned their attention to male contraception with a number of products, including gels and implants, currently in trials. Demand for male contraception is projected to grow, but brands will still be expected to stay focused on supporting bodily autonomy for all.

Male contraception edges toward retail reality

Due to post-pandemic fitness rituals, the mainstreaming of weight loss drugs, and the ebb and flow of the trend cycle, thinness is back in the form of the "ballet body." People want brands to care for their mental and physical health and continue to represent all body types. 

'Ballet body' trend signals return to thinness ideals

Portion sizes in US restaurants are beginning to shrink due to rising food costs, climate concerns, and the "snackification" of mealtimes. Despite a sizeable contingent of Americans being unwilling to relinquish their super-size portions, the dining landscape is shifting.

US restaurant portion sizes begin to shrink

Asics is continuing its Movement for Mind initiative through a foul-mouthed campaign starring Succession star Brian Cox, who encourages workers to escape their desks and get some exercise. People are emphasizing their fitness and mental health, so wellness is no longer separate from work.

Asics calls for workers to move for their minds

A third of teens and young adults in the US can’t afford or access menstrual products, according to new research from Children’s National Hospital in Washington. Despite some progress, period poverty remains a widespread issue impacting people who menstruate, pointing to a need for more action.

Study finds widespread period poverty in US 

Research conducted by nutrition and health app Lifesum reveals a staggering gap in menstrual health support in the workplace. People are increasingly prioritising holistic wellbeing and workplace equality, and the demand for comprehensive menstrual health support is growing.

Lifesum reveals gaps in workplace menstrual support 

Social search engine Diem is designed to empower women and nonbinary people by bridging the gender information and disinformation gap. Combining AI-driven insights with community-driven conversations, Diem is creating a trusted, personalized space for candid, essential discussions.

How Diem closes the gender information gap via community

Hospitality brand Sbe revolutionizes wellness with lifestyle concepts. With people increasingly prioritizing health and wellness, brands can follow Sbe's lead in redefining the intersection of luxury hospitality and preventative healthcare.

Sbe taps longevity and luxury with hospitality offering

From waking up early to using less plastic, people find it easier to make better choices when they’re being kept on track by a friend or a digital journal. To understand how to help people sustain responsibilities, Canvas8 spoke to Dr Mujde Yuksel about the mechanisms that influence accountability.

Wait, I can do it?! The science of accountability

Activewear label Crop Shop Boutique has garnered a cult reputation for putting its community first. As Aussie wellness and fitness enthusiasts seek out activewear that seamlessly fits from work to workouts, CSB empowers Aussie women to feel good about themselves in and out of the gym.

How Crop Shop Boutique brings style to active Aussies

West Cancer Center is the first in the US to begin using ‘hologram’ technology for some of its doctor visits. With rural Americans facing systemic barriers to healthcare, the tech is expanding access to care, providing a deeper connection between patients and doctors to further build trust.  




Hologram tech expands cancer care to rural Americans 

A new Virgin Active campaign takes aim at unlicensed wellness advice, urging people to “leave the cult” and “join the club” when it comes to health. As people grow weary of fleeting wellness fads, they’re seeking a more accessible approach to fitness that centres self-care before self-optimisation.

Virgin Active targets harmful fitness fads

Audible has partnered with sex therapist Chantelle Otten to create an immersive dining experience that encourages conversations around sexual wellness. As food-based aesthetics continue to dictate marketing cool, there’s an opportunity to unlock meaningful indulgence for experience-hungry Aussies.

Audible podcast brings sex therapy to the dining table

The healthcare multinational has launched a digital ecosystem that supports people on their journey to healthy ageing. As Britons’ appetites for digital health and wellness coaching continue to grow, there’s an opportunity to cater to older adults who are often underserved in this space.

Bayer personalises healthy ageing with tech companions

Fitness First is the first mainstream UK gym to offer IV drips to its members, tapping into the rising interest in holistic health solutions. As more people seek diverse forms of all-encompassing wellness, brands will need to expand their offerings and innovate to meet these evolving expectations.

Fitness First launches IV treatments for members

Dating app Drybaby is creating a hub for sober curious singletons to connect offline. The hub taps into the shift among young Americans towards more mindful focused forms of leisure. And as dating app fatigue grows, it also shows the opportunity for brands to support a slower approach to dating.

Drybaby dating app caters to sober curious singletons

A viral trend sees users deconstruct their overnight self-care routine in a bid to wake up looking their best. As beauty and wellness rituals gradually merge, people are taking a more integrated approach to personal care, but experts urge that some extreme measures may fuel harmful beauty standards.

‘Morning shed’ trend signals beauty-wellness fusion

Healthcare technology company Zelis has debuted an out-of-network payments solution to help plan members navigate medical bills in a convenient and accessible way. The service acknowledges challenges around paying for medical care, addressing pain points around affordability and transparency. 

Zelis removes barriers around medical payments

Apple has announced that the AirPods Pro 2 will soon double as over-the-counter hearing aids. Designed to expand access to hearing assistance, the product launch highlights the potential of assistive tech to help provide equity and meet the rising demand for disability inclusion.

AirPods upgrade provides accessible hearing assistance

A report has found that a major scheme helping people in England connect with nature resulted in big improvements in mental health. With a mental health crisis across the UK, there is a need to support people in getting access to care, and connecting to nature is one avenue to help.

Report shows nature prescriptions improve mental health

Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty fuses makeup and mission by empowering people to develop their unique sense of self, using sales to support youth wellness. The brand's advocacy and expansion into China align with the country’s growing She-Economy, which prioritises mental health and self-care.

How Rare Beauty satisfies Chinese women's wellness values

Clue wants to understand the root causes of women’s health issues like endometriosis, and it utilizes its biggest asset to do it – its extensive and international dataset. The menstrual tracking app is strengthening its longevity and loyalty by collaborating with global researchers and its community.

Why Clue is addressing research gaps in women’s health

The Daughters of Mars is the soon-to-be-launched startup creating period products aimed at enhancing vaginal health and improving menstrual care for overall wellness. As more menstruating individuals desire ease and improvements around health and hygiene, how are brands optimising for better care?

How The Daughters of Mars levels up menstrual care

Is gentle wellness on its way out? Is health AI ready to preempt our needs? And can gynaecology recover in the face of a potential second Trump presidency? In this chapter of Expert Outlook 2025, we speak to three experts about the innovations and challenges set to shape health and fitness.

2025 Expert Outlook on Health and Fitness

Strained healthcare systems mean more patients have to complete their treatment at home – and remote treatment can generate a whole host of anxieties. Looking to support patients at home, Doccla leverages advanced tech to offer patients first-of-its-kind ‘hospital at home’ services.




Doccla treats patients at home with virtual hospital beds

Rising costs, declining work-life balance, and widespread screen addiction are keeping more Americans awake at night. To understand how people are improving and optimizing their sleep, Canvas8 spoke to seven Americans about the steps they’re taking to doze off despite tensions.

How are Americans sleeping amid the permacrisis?

Health and Fitness

People are taking control of their health challenges to achieve a better quality of life

People are seeking a softer, tailored approach to their health, which often involves reclaiming and reframing their health challenges. People aren’t only destigmatising their conditions, from IBS to endometriosis and age-related issues; they’re also hungry for tailored solutions that help them to live a fulfilling life.