21st August, 2025; Mumbai, India: The Market Research Society of India (MRSI) held a webinar on 20th August 2025 on the topic “Health and Wellness Paradigm: No Longer a Bitter Pill.” The session featured Sidharth Chaturvedi – CEO, Third Eye Integrated Services Pvt Ltd; Charu Mullick – Consumer Business Insights & Analytics Lead (CBIA Lead), India Subcontinent Region, Haleon; Vijayshankar Menon – National Pickleball Coach; and Gauri Pathak – Country Service Line Leader, Healthcare, Ipsos, and was moderated by Uttara. The webinar dwelled on how India is embracing a new way of living—one where wellness is not just about health, but about feeling good, looking good, and thriving every day. From Pilates sessions and matcha lattes to skincare rituals and fitness trackers, self-care has become a joyful and intentional lifestyle.
Gauri highlighted the shift in India’s health focus from longevity to quality of life, covering both physical and mental well-being. She shared alarming stats—10% adults with diabetes, cardiovascular disease leading among the young, and 44% overweight. Indians value self-care but prefer lifestyle habits like sleep, mindful eating, and family time over preventive measures such as vaccines or check-ups. Digital healthcare usage remains low (11%) due to trust issues, and consistency in practices like supplements is limited. She noted the clash between “healthism” and the YOLO mindset, showing India’s struggle to balance awareness with action.
Sidharth explained how health discourses have evolved with culture; from collective safety and fear of illness to productivity and performance with globalization. Today, with Gen Z and social media, health has become more playful, personalized, and experiential, blending vitality, mental well-being, and lifestyle. Technology and wearables have made health a constant, trackable part of daily life. He described this as the “FMCGification of health,” where wellness adopts the language and vibrancy of consumer brands. He concluded that traditional, performance-driven, and playful approaches now coexist in how Indians view health.
Charu introduced “Fast-Moving Consumer Healthcare (FMCH),” where health products mirror the accessibility of FMCG. COVID marked a turning point, shifting awareness from reactive to proactive as people sought immunity and healthier lifestyles. Wellness now extends beyond curative health to include physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Younger consumers seek holistic, enjoyable wellness, while older ones openly manage conditions. This has driven demand for personalized solutions, natural ingredients, mindful eating, gut health, and sleep, with brands innovating to meet these needs.
Vijay concluded by linking wellness themes to Pickleball, a sport covering family time, exercise, stress relief, and outdoor activity. Originating in 1965, Pickleball is now played in 70+ countries and has grown rapidly in India since 2018. With 25,000 players across 20 states, it has recognition from the Sports Ministry and a pathway to Olympic inclusion. He highlighted its inclusivity, low injury risk, and calorie-burning benefits for overall health. With rising corporate and league interest, he stressed that Pickleball is more than sport; it fosters joy, community, and holistic well-being.
The session highlighted that wellness in India is moving beyond traditional notions of healthcare to become an integral part of everyday living. The diverse perspectives of the speakers reinforced that consumers today seek holistic well-being; balancing physical, mental, and emotional health; through accessible, enjoyable, and personalized practices. The discussion underlined how wellness is no longer perceived as a burden or obligation but embraced as a positive, aspirational lifestyle choice.
