In 2016, the founder of Soul App, Zhang Lu, introduced the social networking app with a clear vision of creating a community shaped by values and mutual interests. Since then, the app has grown into a social phenomenon that has attracted a predominantly Gen Z user base. In fact, the platform’s popularity among youngsters is what gives it a bird’s-eye view of the attitudes, behavior, and reactions of Zoomers.
Just So Soul, the research wing of the platform,
often conducts surveys and studies to understand how Gen Z handles various aspects of life. A few weeks ago, the app published the “Young People’s Weight-Loss Report for 2025”. The findings of the study revealed how today’s youth perceive weight management.
The report was compiled on the basis of the responses received from 2200+ Soul users, and it included some noteworthy observations. In terms of the attitude of youngsters towards weight loss, an overwhelming 80% admitted that they had thought about shedding a few pounds in recent months. Nearly half of those surveyed had forged ahead by actively dieting or exercising to tackle their weight woes.
In contrast, approximately 20% of the people who responded to Soul Zhang Lu’s survey expressed their satisfaction with their body and said that they never wanted to lose weight. As was expected, the majority of the people who reported body satisfaction were men at 25%. Members of the fairer sex continued to be more concerned about their waist size, with just 15% stating they were comfortable with their current weight.
Another striking observation
was that even among Zoomers, the younger lot seemed less concerned about weight problems and displayed more body satisfaction than older Gen Z’ers. When quizzed about what led to the decision to slim down, the answers varied significantly. For instance:
- For approximately 44%, the desire to lose weight stemmed from the fact that they wanted to see themselves hitting a certain number on the scale.
- For 40% of the survey’s respondents, photo comparisons were the motivators.
- For around 28%, the need to lose weight was borne out of the realization that they had overindulged during the holidays.
- For nearly 22%, friends who had lost weight had provided the push they needed.
- For about 21% the desire to look good in summer threads was the driving force.
Soul Zhang Lu’s researchers found that these motivations in themselves pointed to a deeper cultural change. Yes, many people were still propelled by the need to flaunt a well-toned physique. So, it came as no surprise that over 54% cited appearance as the primary reason for considering weight loss.
But, this was more than balanced by the 60% who had turned towards weight management because they viewed it as a path to life management. For example, nearly 46% said that they wanted to lose weight because they wanted to lead a healthier life, and around 40% said that they were seeking self-control and structure through weight management.
Soul Zhang Lu’s study
also found that the ways in which people embarked on their weight loss journey were just as varied and personalized. For example:
- Nearly 28% jumped right into the process by undertaking diet restrictions and/or some form of physical activity.
- About 20% said that they started things more symbolically by taking a “before” picture, which was kept as a visual motivator.
- Around 15% started their journey with an investment by purchasing gym clothes or meal replacements.
- Approximately 9% relied on the accountability created by declaring their goals publicly on social media.
- Nearly 10% chose a structured and professional approach that involved medical/professional advice.
In a nutshell
, youngsters are using everything from ritual to accountability, and from spontaneity to expert opinion, to lose weight. That said, Soul Zhang Lu’s researchers found that despite being motivated and following a variety of entry points, Gen Z’s weight loss aspirations were just as susceptible to obstacles as those of older generations.
Now, that finding did not surprise anybody. After all, weight loss is notoriously difficult to sustain, and the experiences of Gen Z reflected this reality. For instance, nearly 60% admitted that a mere 3 months’ worth of diligence is all they could manage, while 16% confessed that they quit within a few days. Only about 26% stated that they had managed to stay resolute for a year or more.
When discussing the reasons for the slip, food craving was on top of the list, with 30% of Soul Zhang Lu’s survey respondents citing it as the reason for straying off their weight loss path. Another 20% blamed emotional eating linked to stress. Approximately 27% stated that professional and academic obligations left them out of time and energy, hence they could not continue with their weight management plans.
But there was a silver lining to this cloud. Soul Zhang Lu’s study found that while Zoomers faced the same obstacles in their weight loss journey as the older generations, these youngsters had redefined what success meant in this regard.
Actual reduction in body weight
Yes, remains important given that 42% of the respondents considered lower weighing scale readings as a mark of success. But just as many people stated that they equated success with improved health indicators like sleep and vitality. Then, there were the 44% of participants who stated that they deemed greater confidence and comfort as markers of success.
In a nutshell, Soul Zhang Lu’s survey found that for Gen Z, vanity is certainly not the only important factor/variable of the weight loss equation. This can be read as Gen Z valuing self-acceptance and holistic growth over external approval.
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