Almost half South West residents 'less confident' about their appearance after lockdown
Survey reveals body image concerns after first weekend out since majority of restrictions were lifted
After the first weekend without restrictions in pubs, bars, restaurants and nightclubs, a new survey has revealed how body image worries are impacting our plans.
It suggests that many of us are concerned about the way we look, following 18 months of lockdowns, social distancing and working from home.
The figures, from dating app 'Bumble', are damning for people across the South West:
- 58% of residents feel they need to 'get in shape' for summer
- Almost half of residents now feel less confident about their bodies than they did pre-lockdown
- Almost one in four people in the region have cancelled social plans, such as a date, because of the way they feel about how they look
Body confidence survey
The report also found that 58% of UK residents are now more concerned with what other people think about the way they look, than before the pandemic.
That number increases to over three quarters (77%) of people, when assessing just those aged under 34.
WATCH: Body Positive activist Honey Ross spoke to the #MentalHealthMonday Podcast about combatting negative feelings regarding your appearance
'Negative body image has such a clear link to poor mental health'
Body Image researcher Dr Nadia Craddock has 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.
If you want mental health support where you live, type your postcode into The Hub of Hope, which will find services nearby. National helplines and online resources are also available there.