Women’s health day 2025: 5 key insights into American women’s health beliefs and behaviors
As the world prepares to mark the International Day of Action for Women's Health on May 28, new data from YouGov Profiles offers a detailed look at how women in the United States view and manage their health. From mental wellness and fitness tracking to diet and access to care, the findings highlight generational differences and ongoing challenges in how women approach their overall well-being.
1. Mental health
A large majority of women reject the idea that mental illnesses are not real (69%). Despite this consensus, perceptions of societal stigma remain mixed. Just under half of US women (49%) believe that stigmas around mental illness are declining, while a combined 33% disagree with that sentiment. Still, 89% of women agree it’s important to talk about mental health.
2. Tracking health and fitness
When it comes to keeping track of health and fitness, US women are split. While 43% say that monitoring their fitness performance helps them set and stick to goals, another 41% disagree.
Technology use also reflects generational differences. Apps (28%) and wearable devices (27%) are the most commonly used tools for tracking health, especially among younger age groups. For example, over one-third of women aged 25–34 (37%) use apps, compared to just 18% of women aged 55 and older. Similarly, wearable usage is relatively steady among most age groups (25–29%) but drops slightly among the oldest group (25%).
Interestingly, nearly half of all women (47%) report not using any health or wellness tracking method. This rises to 56% among women 55 and older, compared to 36% of women aged 18–24.
3. Diet, appearance and health
More than half of American women say they are actively trying to lose weight (55%). However, appearance plays a complex role in motivation. Among all women, 31% agree that they diet and exercise more for appearance than for health. This sentiment is particularly strong among younger women, with 45% of 18–24-year-olds agreeing, compared to just 18% of those 55+.
At the same time, women show awareness of their eating habits: 50% agree that their diet is part of their fitness routine. About 42% also say they often choose diet or healthier versions of their favorite products, and this behavior is common across generations.
4. Medical reliance
When it comes to medical advice, two-thirds of women (61%) say they primarily rely on doctors to guide their health decisions, with this trust highest among women 55 and older (64%).
Additionally, digital healthcare is gaining some traction: 44% of women say they would prefer online consultations for convenience, though 41% still disagree — suggesting that face-to-face visits remain essential for many.
5. Healthcare policy
Health insurance availability remains a major concern in the US. Around three-quarters (75%) believe the federal government should ensure health insurance for all. However, a significant minority (13%) disagree. This division falls along generational lines. Younger women (84% of 18–24-year-olds and 77% of 25-34-year-olds) are much more likely to support government-backed healthcare, whereas around two-thirds of women over 55 years old agree (66%).
Methodology: YouGov Profiles is based on continuously collected data and rolling surveys, rather than from a single limited questionnaire. Profiles data for the United States is nationally representative of the population and weighted by age, gender, education, region, and race. Learn more about Profiles.
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