Is summer harmful for body image? What research indicates about body image and eating disorders during the summer season
Concerns about body image and eating disorders do not take a break during the summer months. In fact, studies suggest that the opposite may be true. The summer season is often associated with unrealistic body standards due to heightened pressures from diet culture, particularly surrounding the concept of achieving a “beach body,” as well as increased exposure of bodies in less clothing outdoors. While eating disorders are serious conditions that persist throughout the year, seasonal changes, especially in the summer, have been shown to exacerbate feelings of dissatisfaction with one’s body and trigger harmful behaviors. Research indicates that these effects can be particularly pronounced in certain groups, such as young individuals, those already grappling with body image issues, and individuals with mental health conditions.
To shed light on the relationship between seasonal variations, body image, and eating disorders, Charlie Health examined key findings from recent studies and analyses. The following are insights into how social media shapes seasonal body image perceptions, reasons behind potential spikes in symptoms during colder months, and suggestions for seeking support for disordered eating or body image concerns:
1. Around 70% of individuals report experiencing seasonal fluctuations in body image
A study from 2021 introduced the term “seasonal body image” to describe how people’s perceptions of their bodies change throughout the year. The research revealed that approximately 70% of participants reported variations in their body image by season, with peak dissatisfaction occurring during the summer months. Factors driving these shifts often included influences from social media, increased exposure to various body types, and pressure to conform to certain appearance standards when wearing warm-weather clothing. While seasonal body image impacts individuals to a varying degree, the effects of summer body dissatisfaction were notably stronger among younger individuals, those with higher body weight, and individuals discontent with their muscularity or body fat.
2. Social media reflects the pressure of summer body image ideals
Concerns about summer appearances are not merely anecdotal but are also reflected in data. An analysis of over 625,000 diet-related tweets posted between 2012 and 2019 revealed that spring witnessed the highest proportion of dieting hashtags, accounting for nearly one-third of all diet-related content examined. This surge in diet-related posts during the spring is likely linked to the impending pressure to achieve “summer bodies,” perpetuating harmful comparisons related to appearance and narratives promoted by diet culture.
3. Social comparisons significantly influence body image perceptions year-round
As highlighted in the 2021 study, comparisons made on social media can amplify body image concerns. This finding aligns with other research indicating that social comparison plays a crucial role in shaping individuals’ perceptions of their bodies. Studies have shown that upward appearance comparisons, where individuals compare themselves to those they view as more attractive, are closely tied to feelings of body dissatisfaction and low mood. Additionally, real-life comparisons can also impact body image, as evidenced by a 2021 paper on relational body image, which
1. Seasonal variations in eating disorders
There are seasonal fluctuations in the prevalence of eating disorders, with some becoming more severe in the winter rather than the summer. While many individuals experience heightened body dissatisfaction during the summer months, it is important to recognize that not all symptoms of eating disorders follow the same seasonal trend. A study conducted in 2014 on individuals with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and binge eating disorder revealed that more than a quarter (26%) reported an increase in binge episodes during the winter. This underscores the impact of mood changes, seasonal depression, and underlying mental health issues on eating behaviors and distress throughout the year.
2. Consistent presence of body image and eating concerns
Despite the additional pressures that summer may bring, research consistently demonstrates that body image struggles and disordered eating behaviors persist year-round. Factors such as cultural standards, social media influence, stress, and mental health conditions all play a role in how individuals perceive their bodies, and these challenges do not dissipate with changing seasons.
This article was created by Charlie Health, and its content was reviewed and shared by Stacker.
