2026 health and nutrition trends: Experts nominate GLP-1s, wearable tech, and Food as Medicine

US nutrition and health experts predict that the expansion of GLP-1 medications will make the most significant impact in 2026. A U.S. News & World Report survey of 58 experts indicated that these medications will increasingly be used for managing chronic conditions beyond obesity and type 2 diabetes, including heart health, kidney disease, and addiction treatment.

Over half of respondents (52%) pointed to the expanded use of GLP-1s as the key health trend for this year, followed by a greater use of “Food as Medicine” (38%), AI integration with wearable technology (38%), a focus on nutrition for the gut microbiome (33%), and personalized nutrition (12%). 

“I think the explosions of GLP-1s use will continue, and with the cost decreasing, increased utilization will increase our understanding of the benefits and use for other health issues,” says Melina Jampolis, internist and board-certified physician nutrition specialist.

The 2026 Health Trends survey included responses from registered dietitians and researchers. They answered questions related to diet, nutrition, and healthy goals and ranked the top health trends for the year from nine options.

GLP–1 advances

The survey indicates that GLP-1s have “ignited change across the entire health ecosystem,” spotlighting industry opportunities in personalized supplementation to avoid nutrient deficiencies and products that minimize side effects. As the costs of these medications drop, experts expect usage rates to increase.

GLP-1 product development is expanding into new delivery formats and additional health indications. Moreover, experts from the University of California, Davis, US, told us that research is exploring other organs that produce GLP-1 for therapeutic possibilities.

At the end of last year, the US FDA approved Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy pill as the “first and only” oral GLP-1 for weight loss in adults. The company notes that its medication is also indicated to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events.

Clinical research on the Wegovy tablets indicated that patients achieved an average weight loss of around 14% compared to 2% for placebo.“We are confident that the expansion of Wegovy to a pill will help patients who may not have sought or accepted treatment before,” said Dave Moore, EVP, US Operations at Novo Nordisk.

“Wegovy pill is the next chapter in our decades-long GLP-1 experience — supported by the most affordable self-pay price to date in a GLP-1 for obesity. We are prepared for a full US launch in early January 2026, with manufacturing well underway in our North Carolina facilities.”

Effective nutrition strategies

According to 69% of surveyed experts, the Mediterranean diet is the most effective dietary approach for long-term health and weight management. This diet has also been selected as the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Diet for several years.

In the current survey, 90% of experts say its emphasis on high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes is what makes this diet so effective.

Moreover, 97% of experts agree that a well-planned plant-based diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, is highly or moderately beneficial to overall health.

To transition to more plant-forward diets, they encourage consumers to “start slowly,” helping them overcome challenges in meal preparation, planning, and ensuring adequate protein intake. They also recommend monitoring intake of key nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, omega-3s, and calcium when transitioning to a plant-based diet.

Over half of the experts said that adding more beneficial foods, like vegetables and whole grains, offers the most sustainable and impactful New Year’s resolutions.

The survey points to wearable tech, integrated with AI and with real-time metabolic feedback as the most revolutionary health technology.A third of survey respondents (38%) point to increasing fiber intake to reduce chronic diseases, as three-quarters of US adults have one or more chronic conditions, such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, or kidney disease. They note that increasing fiber intake helps reduce the risk of colorectal cancers, promotes digestive health, and aids in weight management.

Other nutrition recommendations to reduce the risk of chronic diseases include increasing intake of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory foods and minimizing consumption of added sugars.

Health tech

The survey points to wearable technology with real-time metabolic feedback as the “most revolutionary health technology of the future.” The experts expect that devices like watches, rings, and continuous glucose monitors will become further integrated with AI for hyper-personalized meal planning and stress management tips.

At the same time, they urge users to consult with a health professional to help interpret the data and support lifestyle changes. As consumers increasingly have access to information, the experts call on them to focus on the basics, including nutritious whole foods, good sleep, and physical activity.

“From my perspective as a registered dietitian nutritionist, wearable devices like continuous glucose monitors and Oura rings offer an unmatched advantage,” says Raksha Shah, founder of Wisebite Nutrition, a virtual private practice in New Jersey, US.

“They provide immediate, personalized insights that empower individuals to make informed, actionable choices about their diet and lifestyle.”