On December 24th, JD.com’s Consumption and Industry Development Research Institute, in collaboration with HealthInsight, a media think tank specializing in the health sector, released an insightful analysis of China’s 2024 health consumption landscape. The report outlines five key trends in the health industry, highlighting the increasing consumer demand for proactive health management and the industry’s evolving dynamics.

The Rise of Weight Management Solutions

Modern lifestyles have contributed to rising obesity rates with 34.3% of Chinese adults classified as overweight and 16.4% as obese. Obesity is associated with over 200 diseases, posing significant health risks. The introduction of semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist for long-term weight management, in China marks a promising development. The market for GLP-1 weight loss drugs in China is projected to exceed 37.852 billion RMB by 2030. On JD.com, searches related to “weight management” have increased more than 3.8 times year-on-year, with growing demand for diet products and home fitness equipment such as kettlebells and leg trainers.

Addressing the Growing Mental Health Concerns
With 95 million people in China affected by depression, mental health is an increasing concern. Consumers are turning to books, stress-relief toys, online consultations, and meditation to manage stress. On JD.com, searches for “mental health” have doubled, with significant interest in emotional release tools and psychological books. JD Health’s Internet Hospital now offers specialized clinics with over 2,300 counselors addressing issues like anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.

The Booming Sleep Economy
Over 300 million Chinese experience sleep disorders, often due to irregular schedules. The sleep economy is booming with the market size reaching 495.58 billion RMB in 2023 and expected to surpass 600 billion RMB by 2027. JD.com has seen a 210% increase in searches for sleep aids, with high demand for sleep headphones, eye masks, and nutritional supplements. Sales of sleep-enhancing pillows and mattresses have also grown significantly.

Everyday Integration of Medical Devices

The home medical device market is expanding as consumers increasingly monitor their health independently. Products like heart rate-monitoring smartwatches and glucose meters are becoming household staples. This year, JD.com data shows that purchases of vision care devices and smart health monitoring equipment have tripled. The market for home medical devices is expected to reach 380 billion RMB by 2025.

Shifting Focus to Preventive Health Management

Emphasizing early screening and intervention, JD.com has seen a significant rise in orders for health services such as genetic testing and early cancer screening. These trends highlight a shift from treatment to prevention, driven by technological advancements and policy support. As consumer awareness grows, health consumption is becoming a major force in economic development, presenting opportunities for rapid growth in the health industry.

In conclusion, the 2024 health consumption landscape is characterized by a strong shift towards proactive health management and the integration of technology into everyday health practices. These trends not only reflect changing consumer priorities but also indicate significant growth opportunities for businesses in the health sector. JD.com remains committed to supporting these developments by providing innovative products and services tailored to the evolving needs of consumers across the dynamic health sector.

(vivian.yang@jd.com)