From weight loss to longevity, South Africa's health consciousness takes centre stage this year

As South Africans embrace the spirit of 'New Year, New Me' and embarking on their New Year's resolutions, often centred around health and wellness, the Ipsos Global Trends study reveals that South Africans, along with their African counterparts, are already ahead of the global curve in health consciousness and proactive self-care.

The survey, which covered 50 countries including several African nations, shows that online South Africans are more likely to prioritise their physical and mental well-being compared to global averages.

Key findings include:
• Holistic Health Approach: An overwhelming 92% of South Africans agree they need to do more to look after themselves physically, in line with the African average and comparing favourably to the global average of 84%. This trend extends to mental health, with 92% of South Africans recognising the need to improve their mental well-being, versus 81% globally.
• Nutrition as a Cornerstone: 92% of South Africans believe that eating right is the most important factor in maintaining good health, surpassing both the African average of 90% and the global average of 84%.
• Empowered Health Management: 83% of South Africans actively seek health information independently, rather than relying solely on their doctors’ advice. This is significantly higher than the global average of 69%, and slightly above the African average of 82%.
• Desire for Health Autonomy: 91% of South Africans express a desire for more control over decisions about their health, compared to 80% globally and 89% across Africa.
• Optimistic Longevity: 48% of South Africans expect to live to 100 years old, lower than the African average of 50%, but still markedly higher than the global average of 38%.

The study also reveals interesting nuances within the African continent, with South Africa often showing distinct nuances. While the global average for those wanting to lose weight is 63%, this varies significantly between countries. In Zambia, only 41% express a desire to lose weight, while in Egypt, this figure rises to 65%. South Africa falls in the middle at 53%.

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