Teens are skeptical of self-optimizers.
Top dollar. Already spending on healthy food, gym memberships, and supplements, Gen Z and Alpha are prioritizing skincare. One in four young women and 15% of men see skin as a sign of overall health, according to consumer intel platform [cafeteria].
Afterglow. Bridging beauty and performance, 62% of females and 42% of males are interested in red light therapy, citing skin and recovery benefits, respectively. Doubling down on R&R, sleep is a key health metric behind steps and heart rate — with 57% of younger consumers owning or considering a wearable.
Aura pharming. Out on looksmaxxing and self-experimentation, 72% are against GLP-1s and a majority reject peptides, preferring clinical oversight to grey-market substances.
Balancing self-care and shortcuts, 80%+ turn to doctors for health information, nearly a fourth can’t name an influencer they trust, and 35% use AI for workout, meal, or diet plans.
Punchline: Teens are growing up immersed in wellness culture, seeking optimization on their own terms — with fitness an identity, food a priority, and good skin a vital sign.
![ANIMAL [a listening gym] installation](https://insider.fitt.co/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ANIMAL-Exhibit-e1786733524804-768x512.png)
