DIY health named as second biggest trend in 2012 as mobile health market soars

The mobile health market is rapidly growing, and it doesn’t include putting symptoms into Google and hitting search, only to freak out over the potential illnesses and disorders that pop up. The latest trend involves the countless health apps and gadgets that are hitting the market, and is one of the biggest trends for 2012 according to Trendwatching.com.

The so-called DIY health sector encompasses fitness apps and health gadgets that let you track your steps and the calories you burn, monitor your sleep patterns, and record your blood pressure and send it to your GP with the click of button.

The mobile health technology category is set to grow exponentially this coming year.  Apple’s App Store lists more 9,000 mobile health apps (including nearly 1,500 cardio fitness apps, over 1,300 diet apps, over 1,000 stress and relaxation apps, and over 650 women’s health apps). This number is expected to reach 13,000 by mid-2012.

Research company Technavio predicts that the global mobile health applications market will reach $4.1 billion by 2014, up from $1.7bn in 2010.

As the market matures, we are definitely seeing more serious devices and apps hitting the market. The NHS, which already offers both apps to help to people quit smoking and cutting back on their alcohol consumption, is to start prescribing mobile health apps to patients, and other big consumer brands such as Nike are already dedicating a lot of funds towards developing fitness devices.

Positive implications for consumers tracking their own health will potentially ease the pressure on GPs, as unnecessary trips to the doctor may be reduced. Doctors would also be able to keep a remote eye in any conditions or changes through regular data transferrals from their patients.

Are you using any mobile health gadgets? Or have you downloaded any health or fitness apps? Tell us how they are working for you in the comments below.