From healthier groceries to fitness and wellness treatments, preventive health spending is adding up for younger Americans By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs September 29, 2026 79% of young adults say the cost of staying healthy has left them financially stretched21% have cut back on saving or investing to afford wellness expensesExperts recommend separating evidence-based preventive care from elective wellness and longevity productsFor many young adults, staying healthy can come with a surprisingly high price tag. Healthier groceries, gym memberships, supplements, and newer wellness treatments can all add to the monthly budget and new research suggests some people are making financial sacrifices to keep up.A survey of 1,010 Americans ages 18 to 40 found that 79% say the cost of being healthy has left them financially stretched. That includes cutting back on saving or investing and, for some, paying out of pocket for more expensive preventive health and longevity options.ConsumerAffairs spoke with Kate Placzek, Ph.D., Medical Editor at Mesothelioma.com, who explained the impact health and wellness can have on consumers finances.How the survey was conductedMesothelioma.com surveyed 1,010 Americans ages 18 to 40 in 2026 to learn more about how younger adults are spending money on preventive health and whether they view those expenses as an investment or a luxury.The group had an average age of 31, with women making up 50% of respondents and men 49%. Gen Z accounted for 38% of the participants, while millennials made up 62%.Key findingsThe survey found that 85% of young adults have paid more for everyday products they believe will protect their future health, while 79% said the cost of staying healthy has left them financially stretched. That pressure is affecting other areas of their finances, too: 21% said they've cut back on saving or investing to pay for wellness expenses.At the same time, many respondents said they're willing to spend more now to potentially avoid larger medical bills later. Nearly 4 in 5 (78%) said they'd rather pay for prevention now than risk higher treatment costs in the future, although just 22% believe preventive health spending actually saves them money. More than half (56%) spend $50 or less per month on preventive health, while 20% spend more than $100.Is it an investment?The survey found that 78% of respondents view health and wellness spending as an investment, yet only 22% believe it actually saves them money.The word investment does not necessarily mean that someone expects… [TheTopNews] Read More.
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