3 in 4 Filipinos say a healthier diet is important to support mental and physical health – Herbalife Asia Pacific survey

Herbalife, a premier health and wellness company and community, today released findings from its Asia Pacific “New Year, New Me” survey, which revealed that 76% of Filipino consumers say a healthier diet is important to support their mental and physical health. Four in five Filipinos (82%) plan to have healthier habits in the coming year and will measure the success of a healthier diet as achieving better overall wellbeing, feeling more energetic and sleeping better.

As part of this, 66% plan to make a New Year’s resolution for 2025. When asked about their resolutions, the top three were to focus on self-care (60%), exercise more (57%) and eat healthier (57%).

Conducted by Talker Research, on behalf of Herbalife*, the survey among 5,500 adults across 11 countries looked at how people viewed the importance of healthy habits and what steps they were taking to live healthier in the longer term.

“New Year’s resolutions offer a fresh start to prioritize health, and Filipinos are known for their determination and family-centered values, which can be great motivators. Begin with small, achievable steps and incorporate them into your daily routine, whether it's focusing on practicing self-care or choosing healthier meals. With consistency and commitment, those resolutions can grow into lasting habits that support a healthier and more fulfilling life,” said Allan Domingo, General Manager, Herbalife­ Philippines.

More than half (60%) of the people surveyed said they are less healthy than usual as the end of the year approaches — and 53% said they use the end of the year as an excuse to postpone eating healthily.

This varied by generation, too: 61% of Gen Z respondents admitted to using this as an excuse, compared to 47% of Gen Xers surveyed.

Regardless of age, the results also found that 70% have broken a diet at the end of the year — with 35% admitting it was due to the temptation of holiday food.

Many respondents are pausing their healthy habits so they can best enjoy the holiday season. 61% percent of respondents said the end of the year is more enjoyable if they are not worried about healthy habits and their weight.

Again, younger respondents were more likely to agree — 68% of Gen Zers, compared to 57% of Gen Xers.

They were also more likely to give into temptation this year: overall, 58% of respondents were more likely to give in this year than other years, and this increased for younger generations — 61% of Gen Z, versus only 44% of Gen X.

When asked why they’re more likely to give into temptation this year, respondents said they are more grateful to be with family and friends this year, and therefore expect their self-control to be lower (53%) — and as they have gotten older, they are more willing to give in and just enjoy the moment (36%).

“Embracing the holiday season means celebrating with loved ones, and it’s possible to enjoy it while keeping your health in focus. Enjoy those festive treats but consider balancing them with nutritious options and staying active. It’s all about making mindful choices that let you savor the joy of the season while still feeling great. With a little planning, you can celebrate and maintain your healthy habits,” added Allan.

*Survey methodology

Talker Research surveyed 5,500 Asia Pacific consumers in 11 countries - Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The survey was commissioned by Herbalife and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Oct. 25-29, 2024.