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Wellness Sector Transformation: A Systematic Review of Trends, Challenges, and Future Research Directions

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  • Jayaprada Putrevu
  • Charilaos Mertzanis

Abstract

The global wellness sector has expanded into a $6.3 trillion industry, encompassing corporate wellness, digital health innovations, wellness tourism, public health policy, and functional medicine. This systematic literature review synthesizes findings from 122 studies, categorizing research into five thematic domains: workplace wellness, wellness tourism, digital health, holistic and functional medicine, and societal wellness. Key challenges identified include the fragmentation of wellness research, commercialization without scientific validation, technological privacy risks, and persistent inequities in access. The study highlights the critical role of digital technologies, AI‐driven wellness tools, and urban planning in shaping future wellness practices. It calls for more rigorous empirical validation, stronger policy frameworks promoting equitable access, and ethical integration of digital solutions. By providing a structured synthesis and identifying future research priorities, this review contributes a comprehensive, interdisciplinary roadmap for advancing evidence‐based, inclusive, and sustainable wellness practices across industries and societies.

Suggested Citation

  • Jayaprada Putrevu & Charilaos Mertzanis, 2026. "Wellness Sector Transformation: A Systematic Review of Trends, Challenges, and Future Research Directions," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(2), pages 1000-1026, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jecsur:v:40:y:2026:i:2:p:1000-1026
    DOI: 10.1111/joes.70032
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