50% of people in the south west feel less confident about their body post lockdown
Survey reveals Body Image concerns as we prepare for first weekend out since majority of restrictions were lifted
Ahead of the first weekend without restrictions in pubs, bars, restaurants and nightclubs, a new survey has revealed how body image worries are impacting our plans.
Stats suggest many of us are concerned about the way we look after 18 months of lockdowns, social distancing and working from home.
- 2/3 women feel less confident about their bodies than they did pre-lockdown.
- 50% of men feel the same.
- Nearly 50% in the south west don't feel confident about our bodies
- 49% are not happy with their appearance and 44% are more concerned about what others will think of them.
- Nearly 60% of us, in the region, feel the pressure to get in shape for the summer.
- 23% of us have cancelled a date of social plans because of body anxiety.
Body confidence survey
The survey from Bumble also found 58% of us are now more concerned with what other people think about the way they look.
That number increases to three quarters (77%) of people under the age of 34.
WATCH: Body Positive activist Honey Ross spoke to the #MentalHealthMonday Podcast about combatting negative feelings about the way you look
Body Image researcher Dr Nadia Craddock told us: "Negative body image, regardless of what your body actually looks like, has such a clear and consistent link to poor mental health.
"That can range from eating disorders, which is the one most people think about, but also depression, anxiety, and low self esteem."
Dr Nadia presents The Body Protest Podcast alongside Honey Ross, who believes we can all overcome negative feelings about the way we look.
"We are all hot!"
Honey told Senior Correspondent Mick Coyle: "We're all feeling a little bit wobbly, and we're all feeling not our best, but it is important to remind yourself that everyone has body image issues to varying degrees
"Everyone is on a different path and it's important to remember that.
"Everyone is feeling maybe not their hottest, but we are all hot! We're doing our best, and it's great.
Listen to the full conversation on this week's #MentalHealthMonday Podcast
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