The Wellness Wire

Insights and inspiration for a balanced, healthy life.

?? Digital health tools: the new frontier in fighting chronic disease

In a world where chronic diseases are on the rise, digital health tools — like Strove — are emerging as powerful allies in the battle for better health. A new study synthesising data from over 206,000 people across 47 studies has shown that these tools can significantly enhance wellbeing by promoting physical activity, improving diet, and even enhancing sleep quality.

Key results: People using digital health interventions experienced remarkable improvements, including:

• An extra 1,329 steps per day
• 55 more minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per week
• 7 hours less sedentary behaviour per week
• A reduction of 103 calories consumed per day
• 20% more fruit and vegetables in their daily diet
• 1.9 kg weight loss over 12 weeks
• Better sleep quality and less severe insomnia

With the global burden of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity projected to exceed $47 trillion by 2030, the need for accessible, scalable interventions is more pressing than ever.

The bigger picture: According to UniSA researcher Dr Ben Singh, these findings highlight the potential of digital health tools to support healthier behaviours at scale. “Apps and digital platforms provide personalised, timely reminders that encourage people to move more, sit less, and eat healthier,” he says. “Their broad accessibility means they could be crucial in reducing the incidence of preventable diseases.”

The road ahead: As more people turn to their smartphones for health advice, digital health tools could become a cornerstone of public health strategies, providing a low-cost, impactful way to improve wellbeing on a global scale.

?? From the research desk

?? “But I don’t have time”

Just 15 minutes of daily activity can boost employee health and wellbeing, as shown by a study involving over 11,500 participants in a gamified workplace program. The results? Increased physical activity, improved fitness, and better mood, making it a win for both employees and employers.

Get started: Enter a challenge or two on the Strove app for that extra slice of motivation.

?? New insights into depression treatment: Finding the right match for the brain

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a common tool against depression, teaching coping skills and countering negative thoughts. But new research from Stanford Medicine suggests it can do even more — when matched correctly to the patient.

In a study of adults with depression and obesity, a specific type of CBT called problem-solving therapy significantly reduced depression symptoms in a third of participants. The therapy led to adaptive changes in the brain’s cognitive control circuits after just two months, predicting long-term improvements.

Why it matters: This study reinforces the potential of precision psychiatry — using brain activity to identify which treatments will be most effective for individual patients, helping to fast-track recovery and improve outcomes for those with hard-to-treat depression.

?? Feature spotlight:

Fresh look for Thrive & Talk: We’ve redesigned Thrive and Talk with a modern, intuitive interface to make your wellness journey smoother. From mindfulness sessions to booking 1:1 coaching, everything feels faster and clearer.

Introducing Strove Nourish ?? Nourish is now part of Integrated Care, offering in-app access to personalised nutrition plans, educational resources, and on-demand consultations with your dietician.

Enhanced employee management: Our upgraded web app makes managing employees easier with direct invites, inline edits, and streamlined bulk uploads.

New connected app journey: We’ve simplified linking apps like Apple Health or Google Fit, making it easier for users to sync activity and stay engaged.

What's coming soon ??

• Refreshed library: A smoother, more immersive content experience with easier access to meditations, workouts, and articles.
• Strive section redesign: Simpler navigation for quick access to leaderboards, challenges, and progress.
• Leaderboard leagues: Compete with peers at your level for fairer competition.
• Company vs. Company: Challenge other companies and build healthy competition.
• Web app challenge manager: Create and manage custom wellness challenges with ease.

?? Content roundup

New content highlights on the Strove app:

?? Ozempic uncovered: GLP-1 agonists are making waves in the weight-loss world, with their ability to help manage blood sugar levels and appetite. Dr. Van Zuydam breaks down the science behind these medications and explores their potential to transform weight management strategies.

?? Deep bodily relaxation: Take a 15-minute break to reset with this guided meditation designed to promote deep relaxation. Perfect for those busy days when you need a moment to centre yourself. This session helps reduce stress and improve mental clarity.

?? Pilates powers: Strengthen your core and improve flexibility with this energising 30-minute Pilates workout. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned fitness enthusiasts, this session will leave you feeling revitalised and ready to tackle the day.

Find these and more in the Strove app Library.

?? Trends to watch

?? Personalisation through biometric data

Consumers are increasingly seeking personalised wellness solutions that cater to their unique physiological needs. Technologies like wearables, health apps, and smart home devices are using biometric data — such as heart rate, sleep patterns, and activity levels — to deliver highly tailored health recommendations. Integrating generative AI is further enhancing this trend, allowing for more precise and customised fitness plans and nutritional advice.

?? Rise of clinically proven over “clean” products

There is a noticeable shift away from wellness products marketed as "clean" or "natural" towards those with clinically proven efficacy. Consumers in the US and UK are prioritising products that are backed by scientific evidence, especially in categories like supplements, over-the-counter medications, and skincare. After all, even cyanide is “100% natural and organic”.?

?? A focus on healthy ageing and longevity

There is a growing demand for products and services that support healthy ageing and longevity, fueled by advancements in preventive medicine and health technology. Consumers are increasingly investing in anti-aging supplements, digital health monitoring tools, and telemedicine services. This trend spans across age groups, with a significant rise in purchases aimed at extending lifespan and maintaining quality of life as people age.

?? Quick tip of the month

?? Chocolate-coated coffee beans

Need a snack that satisfies and energises? Try these magic beans! Just melt 100g of dark chocolate, coat 1 cup of roasted coffee beans, and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Enjoy a handful (~8 beans) for a sweet boost without the calorie load.

Find the full recipe in the Strove app Library.

?? Strove news

Going green: Our Ecologi partnership has hit the 4,000 tree mark! Explore our virtual forest here.

Going global: Strove now supports employees in over 35 countries.

New clients: Welcome to Profmed, Fedgroup, Medihelp, CAMAF, and six new Old Mutual segments.

New rewards: ??Planet Fitness, ??First Ascent, and ?Nespresso have joined our expanding rewards selection.

Pumped for padel: The Prescient Padel Championship is happening this October. Well done, Prescient.

?? Community corner

Strove has the best partners:?

Medihelp demonstrated how to get fit, make delicious smoothies, and earn Strove points, all at the same time.?

Chartered Solutions are driving some healthy competition on the Strove leaderboards. It is incredible to hear how Strove has assisted in creating a powerhouse offshore audit team ??

Have a story to share? We’d love to hear from you! Share how you or your company are putting wellbeing first, and we could feature you in our next newsletter.

?? Join the Strove movement!

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