SALT LAKE CITY — A new national survey from health and wellness brand Shed reveals that while most Americans are actively trying to lose weight, many find it difficult to sustain long-term results as they navigate a growing range of traditional and new weight-management tools.
According to the 2025 survey of 1,000 U.S. adults, 76 percent tried to lose weight in the past year, but fewer than one-third kept the weight off. Intermittent fasting and calorie tracking remain popular methods, even as GLP-1 medications and other advanced options gain popularity. Nearly 30 percent of respondents reported fasting for 24 hours or more, with the rate rising to 38 percent among Gen Z.
“There’s no one way to lose weight anymore,” said Morley Baker, CEO at Shed. “People are overwhelmed with options, and they’re balancing cultural pressure with medical advice, online trends, and emotional health.”
The study highlights differences between generations in behavior and risk tolerance. Gen Z reported the highest rates of extreme dieting; 33 percent said they had tried a 1,000-calorie diet, and one in four would consider buying weight-loss injections online without a prescription. Millennials appeared to be the biggest spenders, with one in three investing more than $500 each year in weight-loss efforts.
Despite the rise of new products and programs, trust remains a significant problem. Forty-seven percent of Americans say they do not trust the weight-loss industry, even as nearly half feel pressure to lose weight quickly. Eighty percent agree that the industry should focus more on sustainable health rather than rapid weight loss.
The survey also shows an increasing emotional strain connected to weight-loss efforts. Forty percent of Gen Z respondents found the process emotionally draining, and 29 percent said their habits sometimes felt obsessive. Social media continues to influence how people view GLP-1s, especially among younger adults, with 43 percent of Gen Z turning to online influencers for guidance.
“People don’t just need better products—they need better information,” Baker said. “We’re helping people make clear, informed choices about their health.”
The research is based on a 2025 national survey of 1,000 U.S. adults that analyzes behavioral, demographic, and generational trends in weight-loss methods, motivations, and barriers. Complete data breakdowns and media assets are available upon request.
