HCP

‘…but what does ‘healthy’ mean…?’

“Health is the greatest of human blessings.”

Hippocrates.

This timeless quote from the father of modern medicine rings true. With evolving science, understanding of the human body, and consumer expectations, the definition of ‘healthy’ has become more complex than ever. Today, what does it mean to be healthy, and how does the nutrition industry fit into the equation?

Defining ‘health’

In 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined health in its Constitution as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This view emphasises that health is more than just not being sick or ill, it’s about wellbeing in broader terms. However, the concept of health, and what it means to be healthy, has shifted dramatically over the decades since this definition was developed.

Modern interpretations of health have expanded beyond a broader or more holistic approach, reflecting advancements in science and changes in societal expectations. Regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), now recognise health as a dynamic and multifaceted state, rather than a fixed descriptor. The FDA, for instance, has proposed updates to the definition of ‘healthy’ on food labels to better align with current nutritional science, focusing on overall nutritional value of foods, rather than just the absence of certain ingredients​​​​.

The human body is incredibly complex and our understanding of it continues to evolve. For example, science is still uncovering the ways in which different parts of the body interact, and how supporting one area of health directly or indirectly can affect others. In bioscience terms, health isn’t typically seen as a ‘healthy’ or ‘unhealthy’ binary. Instead, it may be seen a continuum, ever shifting and influenced by numerous factors.

The human body is an intricate system where seemingly every part is interconnected. This complexity means that what we consider healthy can vary greatly between individuals and contexts. For example, a person effectively managing a chronic condition with medication and lifestyle adjustments may be considered healthy, even if they don’t fit traditional markers of perfect health.

Statistics published by the UK’s National Health Service report that over any given week, around half of adults in the country will take a prescribed medication. The same research shows that around 25% of adults take at least three types of medication. Due to this prevalence, accelerated by advances in modern medicine, traditional markers of health often do not capture the full picture.

Ambiguity surrounding the term ‘healthy’ has significant implications for nutritional science, particularly in clinical studies. When researchers label their study populations as a healthy cohort, the lack of a clear and universally accepted definition of health can lead to variability in study outcomes and interpretations. This variability makes it challenging to compare results across different studies or to generalise findings to broader populations. For instance, a study may classify participants as healthy based on the absence of diagnosed diseases, while another might include only individuals who meet specific physical fitness criteria.

Given the diverse and evolving nature of health, there is a growing emphasis on personalised nutrition. Health is tied to factors such as lifestyle, genetics, and environment. As such, it is contextual and unique to a given individual’s circumstances and environment, and consumers are no longer satisfied with one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, they seek tailored approaches that cater to their unique health needs and goals. This has accelerated the growth of personalisation, where healthcare, whether it’s OTC medication or supplements, are approached on a case-by-case basis.

Consumer expectations and trends

Further driving this change, today’s consumers are more informed and proactive about their personal health than ever before. They demand transparency, scientific backing, and everyday convenience. This trend is evident in the increasing interest in gut health, as seen through the rising popularity of prebiotic and probiotic supplements.

Social media has played a pivotal role in spreading awareness and educating the public about health and wellness. Influencers and healthcare professionals share insights, making complex topics better understood. However, this also means that misinformation from unqualified individuals can spread, highlighting the need for brands to provide credible, evidence-based information. Alongside this, brands should also work with credible and qualified influencers in the media space when  promoting health benefits, to help ensure communications are scientifically sound.

The evolving definition of health and the rise of personalised nutrition have significant implications for the health and nutrition industry. Formulators must consider the complex and individual nature of health when designing products and align those products directly with consumer needs. This shift away from a one-size-fits-all approach means that innovation in product development is more crucial than ever. Consumers are looking for solutions that fit seamlessly into their lifestyles, providing tangible benefits without added complexity. The focus is on creating products that are not only effective but also convenient and backed by solid scientific research.

The question “What does ‘healthy’ mean?” does not have a simple answer. The nature of health is far too multifaceted and individual for that.  However, despite this complexity, there are foundational principles that individuals should keep in mind to support their health. Eating a balanced and varied diet, ideally rich in prebiotics and probiotics, can help support a diverse microbiome. Additionally, maintaining regular physical activity contributes significantly towards a positive health state. These basics are crucial steps that everyone can take to work towards better overall health, acknowledging that while health may be complex, some universal strategies can guide us all.

For formulators, this means creating products that are adaptable and can cater to diverse health needs. As our understanding of health continues to grow, so too will the potential for products that can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.