Conversations about health and wellness have taken center stage in China and around the world, and for good reason. Weight loss is no longer just an appearance standard. If anything, for youngsters today, a toned physique is emblematic of self-discipline, empowerment, and proactive living. Given this distinctive change in perspective, the CEO of Soul App, Zhang Lu, wanted to know about the aspirations and challenges faced by Chinese youth when it comes to weight management.
This desire to study how Zoomers are reshaping societal views on dieting, fitness, and body image led to the 2025 Young People’s Weight Loss Report from Soul. The survey involved over 2,200 Gen Z respondents who painted a hard-to-miss picture of shifting priorities. 
Weight loss was definitely on the minds of most who participated in the study. For instance, nearly 80% admitted that they had considered shedding the extra kilos, while more than half stated that they were actively pursuing weight management at the time of the survey.
But the aspiration to go from chubby to chiseled was not fuelled by a need for external approval, which was the driving factor for older generations. Instead, Soul Zhang Lu’s survey revealed that youngsters are viewing weight management through the prism of good health, self-control, and confidence.
This is not to say that talks of external appearance are no longer a part of the narrative. The perception that a fit body makes a person look better still holds sway. This was made evident by the 50% plus respondents who admitted that this was their motivation to lose weight.
But, this was not the only impetus, at least not for the 45% plus respondents who said that health considerations were driving their wish to lose weight. Around 40% of those surveyed by Soul Zhang Lu’s team said that their main goal was to achieve greater balance and structure in life.
These figures point to an important cultural transition. For decades, beauty ideals such as the infamous “good girl weighs less than 50 kilograms” created intense social pressure, particularly for women. But the data from the survey shows that these rigid benchmarks are losing influence. They are being fast replaced by more holistic reasons to pursue weight loss, such as better sleep, improved complexion, and favorable medical check-ups.
Soul Zhang Lu has often noted that her social networking platform isn’t just a space for entertainment. The central idea was and is to create an ecosystem that allows youngsters to express their evolving identities and to foster online communities that support individuals to pursue goals that go beyond aesthetics, and this survey was definitely an endeavor in that direction.
Having said that, Soul’s study also highlighted that the weight loss journey can vary significantly from one individual to another. For instance, when it came to embarking on the path to a healthier weight and body, many stated that they jumped right in by going for a run, cutting down on late-night snacks, or booking a gym membership.
But some needed a visual and symbolic push in the form of a “Before” picture or even new workout gear. For approximately 9% of the respondents, a public declaration of their weight loss goals on social media provided the much-needed nudge. Of the youngsters who participated in Soul Zhang Lu’s survey, around 10% stated that they had sought professional advice by visiting clinics or weight management experts and doctors. This shows that trust in medical expertise is also growing.
Another notable finding was that while fad diets and quick-fix solutions often trend online, physical activity remains the most trusted strategy for young people. In fact, more than 60% reported choosing exercise as their primary weight management method.
In terms of the type of physical activity undertaken, running was the clear winner, with 46% survey participants opting for it. Aerobic and home workouts followed closely. Also, Soul Zhang Lu’s researchers found that China’s Gen Z had no problem splurging on their weight loss process. On average, youngsters were found to be shelling out approximately 1500 RMB on weight management annually. The money was invested in diet products, gym memberships, and fitness clothing.
Around 10% of the respondents admitted to spending as much as 5000 RMB annually. On the other side were those who reported spending almost nothing. This disparity clearly indicates that while money can help some, motivation and consistency remain the real determining factors when it comes to weight loss.
But as is the case with several aspects of health and well-being, even strong intentions often fail to keep the show going. The majority of the Zoomers who participated in Soul Zhang Lu’s study confessed that sustaining long-term weight loss goals was difficult. A massive 60% admitted to abandoning their efforts within three months. Fewer than 5% said that they had managed to persist for a year or more.
According to the study, for many of today’s youngsters, the readings on the weighing scale are not the only measure of success. Soul Zhang Lu’s survey found that Zoomers place greater emphasis on how they feel. So, a significant proportion of respondents said they considered themselves successful if they felt more confident, energetic, and comfortable in their own skin, even if the actual weight loss was modest.
Simply put, Soul Zhang Lu’s study revealed that when it comes to weight management, Zoomers have a very different perspective; one that leans towards mental well-being and self-acceptance. For Gen Z, weight loss is a path to empowerment and not a punishment. In fact, the conclusion of the study was that through this cultural shift, young people are creating a healthier narrative that balances ambition with self-care.
