Study Reveals Weather’s Impact On Health: Americans Feel Healthier And More Active In Summer

Struggling to feel healthy? A new study revealed how the weather and sunlight play a significant role in us feeling better in the summer than at any other time of year.  

A poll of 2,000 U.S. adults revealed 75% feel more encouraged to be healthy if the weather is perfect, many of whom suggested sunshine’s vital role in feeling their best.

Sunny skies (46%) and warm temperatures (45%) were found to be the “healthiest” weather conditions, but if it’s storming or humid (10%), Americans are more likely to resort to unhealthy habits.

Over four in five (84%) agreed being outside gives them more energy to do the activities they love, and 49% feel at their most physically active during the summer months. A similar 42% feel at their healthiest during the summer, as well.

During the summer, respondents said they tend to prioritize a healthier diet (51%), regular exercise (48%) and taking daily vitamins (45%).

Meanwhile, cold and wet months during the winter are when people feel the unhealthiest (59%) and are less physically active (60%).

Commissioned by vitamin-enhanced water brand ShineWater and conducted by OnePoll, the study found summer isn’t just the season they feel at their physical peak—it’s also when they are more attentive to what nutrients their bodies need.

Eighty-one percent of Americans said they take vitamins; the most popular being vitamin D (39%), vitamin C (39%), vitamin B (33%), vitamin A (26%) and iron (22%). Vitamin D plays a special role in the summer, as 42% claim they are actually more likely to think of their vitamin D needs during the hotter months. 

How people get their vitamins and nutrients is another story: 81% would prefer a snack or beverage that provided a daily serving of vitamins, 56% prefer to get their nutrients through food and beverages and only 26% prefer tablets or pills.

Out of the respondents who said they take vitamin D on a daily basis, 20% believe they still aren’t getting the amount they need. In fact, 48% said they can tell whether their body is lacking in any specific nutrient.

“It’s easy to understand why people want to incorporate vitamins into their daily routine, but would rather avoid taking them as a pill or tablet,” said Ryan Coon, Chief Marketing Officer at ShineWater. “Grabbing a drink or snack that not only tastes great and is convenient, but also addresses daily vitamin intake, is a win-win. It’s a simple and delicious way to ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs.”

Results found 57% of Americans are influenced to try new vitamins and supplements based on medical advice from their doctor and just as many who take vitamins regularly claim they know exactly the functions of all the vitamins they take.

Nearly half (48%) claimed they know they’re getting enough of all the vitamins they take on a regular basis, but a wide gap of knowledge still exists for many—26% noted they do not know if they are getting the right amount of vitamins and 30% admitted they were only somewhat aware of what vitamins do for them. 

Meanwhile, 26% have no idea if they’re getting enough of the nutrients they need.

When asked which vitamins or supplements they believe they need more of, people said they could probably use more vitamin C (36%), vitamin D (35%), vitamin B (32%) and calcium (29%).

“Getting all the vitamins your body needs shouldn’t be a difficult task,” continued Coon. “The easier and more accessible nutrients are to consume, the easier it is to get the motivation to get active and prioritize your health in the summer.”

TOP 7 WAYS TO PRIORITIZE HEALTH IN THE SUMMER:

• Eat a healthier diet – 51%
• Exercise on a regular basis – 48%
• Take daily vitamins or supplements – 45%
• Maintain a regular routine – 43%
• Partake in sporting activities – 32%
• Drink less alcohol – 21%
• Meditate on a regular basis – 20%

Survey methodology:

This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by ShineWater between June 9 and June 13, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

Produced in association with SWNS Research

Edited by Joseph Donald Gunderson and Jason Reed