The digital world was and is dominated by image-driven social media. But, Soul App, a social networking platform from China, wanted to take a different path. So, the founder of the app set out to carve a radically different space that would emphasize interest-based connections and strengthen emotional resonance.
The idea was to create a community that appreciates honest discourses and prioritizes authenticity over appearance. To better encourage youngsters to talk about their problems, perceptions, personality traits, and choices, Soul App regularly conducts surveys that reveal the tides and trends of Gen Z.
The Young People’s Weight-Loss Report was the most recent offering from the platform’s research arm. The study, based on 2,249 valid responses, revealed that nearly 80% of young people have considered losing weight, and more than half were actively engaged in the process.
Only 20% reported being satisfied with their current physique. Overall, women expressed more dissatisfaction with their body weight than men. Also, in general, younger cohorts, particularly those born after 2005, showed greater acceptance of their bodies.
When quizzed about their reasons for wanting to lose weight, more than half said that they wanted to look better. Around 46% said that they wanted to feel better, and approximately 40% stated that their reasons for weight management stemmed from their desire for a self-disciplined life. Nearly 60% described weight loss as a way to manage life itself, and not just body shape.
Soul App’s survey also highlighted the fact that weight management does not begin the same way for everyone. According to the report:
- 27.8% immediately started dieting or exercising.
- 20.4% took motivational “before” photos.
- 14.9% made symbolic purchases like gym clothes or meal replacements.
- 9.3% announced goals on social media.
- 9.7% sought medical advice.
On its part, Soul supports all these entry points and allows users to track rituals, share photos, post commitments, and seek encouragement. The best part is that all of this is done within a supportive environment where success is defined individually, and not by an imposed standard.
Despite the motivation and even the commitment, Gen Z finds it hard to persevere. Soul App’s study revealed that only 26.4% of respondents maintained their efforts long-term. Around 60% quit within three months, while 15.9% abandoned their efforts within days. Zoomers blamed this derailment on several factors, such as uncontrollable cravings (30%), lack of time due to work or study (26.7%), insufficient encouragement (22.3%), and emotional eating (20.5%).
The good thing was that Soul App’s community dynamics and AI support features offered effective solutions for these problems, which include shared accountability, group encouragement, and emotionally aware AI companionship that helps users manage stress without judgment.
In addition to the above insights, the survey also revealed that while historically, weight loss success was measured strictly by the weighing scale, this definition is broadening. For instance, of the survey participants, 44.2% defined success as increased confidence and comfort, and 42.8% emphasized improved health indicators.
The discussion also veered towards the cost of slimming, which involves an investment of both time and money. The average spending on weight loss goals was 1487 yuan. But the expenditure swung significantly on both sides of this figure for many youngsters. For instance:
- 11.1% spent more than 5,000 yuan.
- 20.9% spent under 500 yuan.
- 25.8% spent almost nothing.
This variation clarifies that weight-loss journeys are shaped by both access to resources and individual commitment. In terms of time spent trying to shed the pounds, over 60% of Soul App’s survey respondents said that they exercised more than 3 times a week, with each workout session lasting for at least 30 minutes.
Approximately 16% stated that their physical activity was limited to 1 or 2 sessions per week. In contrast to the fairly regulated fitness regimen of these individuals, around 13% said that they exercised irregularly based on mood. As far as the correlation of age with fitness went, post-00s (21-25 years) were found to be relatively more active, with over 65% exercising ≥3 times weekly.
Questions pertaining to the preferred workout type were also a part of the survey. When discussing this aspect of their fitness regimen, around 46% said that they prefer running over other physical activities because it requires no specific venue and has low barriers.
Over 30% expressed their preference for aerobics, and another 30% chose light home exercises. Typically, men leaned towards high-intensity routines such as hiking and gym training while women opted to go with aerobics, light home exercises, and dancing, which were comparatively low intensity.
The one clear trend that Soul App’s researchers observed was that despite being constantly bombarded by in-style, viral, quick-fix weight loss solutions, the majority of the respondents, at 60%, chose exercising as their primary method of weight management.
Only about 12% stated that they also used medication and metabolic products to meet their weight loss goals. That said, Soul App’s survey found that not only has Gen Z embraced a personalized path to fitness, but also that youngsters have a notably different perspective on weight loss.
For example, almost 60% see weight loss as a way of self-management and controlling life. Around 48% consider it vital for health management, and for 31% it is a ritual to restart life. Approximately 11% call it their social currency, one that serves as an effective conversation starter. Only about 16% said that they view weight management as an aesthetic requirement imposed by societal standards.
These observations made Soul App’s researchers clearly show that although youngsters care deeply about their bodies and health, their attitudes are very different from previous generations. For instance, 44% of the survey respondents admitted that they started their weight loss journey because they wanted to look good. But as things progressed, they started prioritizing the positive effects of weight management on their health, both mental and physical.