It’s that time of year: discussions of “summer bodies” are inevitable. In the age of Ozempic and fad diets, many of us feel consumed by needing our bodies to look a certain way, prompting feelings of worry, fear and grief. However, what if achieving the perfect summer body meant focusing on fostering a healthier relationship with it instead of seeking physical change? Ahead, experts in mental health, wellness and fitness walk us through the many ways to love our bodies a little bit more.
Featured Experts
- Rachel Goldman, PhD, is a psychologist and clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine
- Andrea Rogers is the Xtend Barre founder and wellness expert
- Taylor Long is the founder of size-inclusive swimwear brand Nomads
- Ralph R. Garramone, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Fort Myers, FL
- Shari Auth is an acupuncturist and Chinese medicine specialist
Why Is Body Image Important?
The term “body image” is thrown around a lot these days, but what does it really mean? Rachel Goldman, PhD, psychologist and clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explains that “according to NEDA—the National Eating Disorder Association—body image is how one sees themselves when they look in the mirror or when they picture themselves in their mind. It refers to how someone thinks, feels and acts about their body.”
Approximately 91 percent of women are unhappy with their bodies and resort to dieting to achieve their ideal body shape
Palmer, Mario. “5 Facts About Body Image.”
While it may seem simple, Dr. Goldman emphasizes that body image is a complex concept when it comes to one’s overall well-being. “Body image is multifaceted and encompasses many different components, including what you believe about your appearance, how you feel about your body, and how you physically feel or experience your body. It depends on perception, not facts. Because our thoughts, emotions and behaviors are all linked, body image directly impacts how we feel and act, and how we think about ourselves. It influences our self-esteem and impacts our mental health.”
Body Image Versus Body Dysmorphia
While many people struggle with body image issues, body dysmorphia is a separate, more severe issue. “Body dysmorphia, or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), is a mental health condition where someone is putting a lot of emphasis on a specific body part,” says Dr. Goldman. “They spend a lot of time focusing on one flaw that is so minor that nobody else sees it or perceives it as a flaw. This leads to more severe emotional problems and gets in the way of daily functioning. It’s important to note, though, that even though body image issues and BDD are different, they can both cause distress and hinder one enjoying life.”
Summer Body
As one might expect, summer weather and the clothing that accompanies it can aggravate negative thoughts when it comes to body image. If you find yourself struggling with this, you’re not alone. “In my career, I have witnessed a heightened level of body anxiety from clients during seasonal periods where less clothing is worn,” says Xtend Barre founder and wellness expert Andrea Rogers. “This ever-increasing pressure to look a certain way or live up to specific expectations can cause people to feel more self-conscious about their bodies than ever before.”
“A few years back, body image conversations were much more positive and accepting, with many adopting the summer body philosophy, ‘the beach will get whatever body I give it,’” says Taylor Long, founder of size-inclusive swimwear brand Nomads. “Now, with the rise of ‘thinspiration’ and drugs like Ozempic, the pendulum seems to be swinging back in the more harmful direction. This leaves many people feeling pressured to become thin for summer by any means necessary.”
In the age of plastic surgery, body image and surgical procedures are inextricably linked, especially in the summer. According to Fort Myers, FL plastic surgeon Ralph R. Garramone, MD, many plastic surgery patients have body image issues. “This is especially true in the summer when patients are getting ready to go to the pool or the beach and wear bathing suits. Less clothing always makes patients a bit more self-conscious about their appearance.”
Firsthand Experience: Sports Illustrated Model Hunter McGrady on Reimagining Body Image
“Since the beginning of my modeling journey, my perception of my body has undergone a profound transformation. Initially, I thought of it as a tool for capturing images, only valued for its aesthetic appeal. As I have progressed in my career, my perspective has shifted dramatically. I’ve come to recognize my body as a vessel for expressing creativity, confidence and individuality. It’s no longer about how many inches I am up or down on a measuring tape or how my body photographs. It now embodies strength, resilience and the ability to convey the story of who I am. In the immediate change of season, so many brands capitalize on societal pressures by promoting weight-loss tactics as essential for achieving the ‘perfect’ summer body. This marketing frenzy perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards and fosters insecurity. It drives individuals to pursue drastic measures to conform to these ideals.
Therapy has been, and always will be, my number-one tool. It has provided me with invaluable tools to challenge negative thought patterns and unpack deep-seated insecurities. I also learned how to harness them and turn them into affirmations, which then became a daily practice for me since I was 16 years old. I’ve learned to prioritize self-care, reject harmful narratives, and embrace my body as a source of strength, love and empowerment.”
Your New Summer Body: One That You Love
While societal and social pressures, mental health conditions and more can contribute to body image issues, your relationship with your body is something that can be improved. From mindfulness and mindset changes to body treatments, here are some ways to foster a healthier body image.
Make Positivity a Priority
As acupuncturist and Chinese medicine specialist Shari Auth explains, “Positive relationships can lead to a positive image. Surround yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself. Actively identify sources of negative messaging about your body, such as those from family, friends or social media. These messages can replay inside your head and toxify your relationship with yourself.” Dr. Goldman agrees, suggesting that you unfollow people or social media accounts that make you feel insecure. This, and talking to yourself kindly, are imperative for creating a healthier body image.
Shift Your Mindset
Struggling with body image issues can impact many factors of your life, especially working out. To stay healthy while maintaining a positive body image, Rogers recommends shifting your mindset from appearance-based goals to functionality goals. “Focus on everything your body can do while leaning in toward the way you feel after a workout. Workouts and movement should fuel our energy, not add to our stress.”
Body-Enhancing Treatments
No one should feel obligated to alter their body at any point. But, if you feel like you’ve fostered a better relationship with your body in your mind and day-to-day, and you are still unhappy with certain areas, there is nothing wrong with opting for treatments to help boost your confidence even more. “The most commonly performed procedure for body contouring, which is not a weight-loss procedure, is liposuction,” says Dr. Garramone. “This can be used to contour certain areas of the body that the patient is unable to improve with a combination of healthy diet and exercise.”
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