Warmer Weather Fuels Body Image Anxiety

by Robyn Pashby

Summer 2025

“I dread the summer months. In the winter, baggier clothes help me hide, but summer feels like everything about my body is suddenly on display. Wearing shorts or a bathing suit makes me feel exposed and self-conscious. I speak so mean to myself, telling myself I need to change my body before I can go out and have fun like everyone else. I turn down invites to pool parties and beach days, claiming I’m busy just to avoid situations where I’d have to show more of my body. Most summers, I stay indoors, reading alone and pretending that’s my choice.” — OAC Community Member

As temperatures rise and spring break and summer vacations approach, so does the pressure to change our bodies to fit seasonal expectations. Social media, advertisements and even well-meaning friends and family can amplify the idea that we need to slim down or tone up to feel confident in warm-weather clothing. This push not only affects physical health but also takes a toll on mental well-being, fueling anxiety, self-doubt and unhealthy dieting behaviors.

The Seasonal Shift in Body Image Pressure

During colder months, our bodies are often hidden under layers of clothing, making body image concerns less front of mind. However, as the days get longer, the narrative slowly shifts. Swimsuit season can bring increased scrutiny, both from within and from societal expectations. A 2024 Forbes Health survey found that 62% of Americans feel pressure to lose weight before summer, with many turning to restrictive diets or intense exercise regimens to meet an idealized standard. Social media often exacerbates this pressure, with influencers promoting rapid weight-loss plans, detoxes and “summer shred” programs. These messages can be particularly harmful, reinforcing the idea that thin is best at all costs.

Mental Health Impacts of the “Summer Body” Mindset

The expectation to look a certain way for summer can lead to increased body dissatisfaction, lower self-esteem and even disordered eating patterns. When people feel they must change their bodies to fit a seasonal mold, they may experience:

• Increased anxiety and stress – The fear of judgment at the beach or pool can make social activities feel overwhelming and cause people to avoid enjoying warm-weather activities.
• Negative self-talk – Comparing oneself to curated images online can lead to a cycle of self-criticism and self-doubt. It is impossible to meet impossible standards.
• Unhealthy behaviors – Extreme dieting, over-exercising and supplement use may become coping mechanisms to conform to societal beauty standards.

Shifting the Narrative: Take Care of Your Mind First

Rather than succumbing to seasonal body pressures, we can take a healthier approach to self-image and well-being. Here are some ways to embrace your self-confidence this summer and find more joy and self-acceptance by taking care of your mental health.

• Challenge the “Beach Body” Mentality – You’ve heard it before, but it is TRUE. All bodies are beach bodies. Remind yourself regularly that there is no singular way to look in order to enjoy summer activities or summer clothing. Pressure to hide parts of your body robs you of opportunities for comfort and fun.
• Curate Your Social Media Feed – Social media is nearly synonymous with marketing—the more you see it, the more you want it. Follow accounts that promote body diversity, self-acceptance and mental wellness rather than unrealistic transformation narratives. By diversifying your feed, you can create content that encourages your self-esteem, self-empowerment and self-worth with every scroll.
• Prioritize Enjoyment Over Appearance – Instead of focusing on how your body looks, remember to practice gratitude for what your body can do! Playing frisbee at the park? Walking your dog in the spring? Building a sandcastle with your kid at the beach? All of these activities are wonderful opportunities to thank your body for its abilities.
• Practice Self-Compassion – Speak to yourself with kindness. If you wouldn’t say it to a friend or your child, don’t say it to yourself. Some examples of how self-talk can change your feelings are in the next point.
• Wear What Makes You Comfortable – Confidence comes from feeling good in what you wear, not from meeting an arbitrary standard. Buy clothes that fit, all the way down to your underwear! Old, outdated or ill-fitting clothes can trigger thoughts like “I am so frumpy!” or “I am just so lazy.” These sorts of thoughts cause lots of negative feelings that you simply don’t need.
• Bonus Challenge: Change Your Focus – One of my clients came up with this great tip and gave us permission to share: If part of what drives your anxiety is seeing old friends or family and worrying about what they will think or say about how you look, challenge yourself to think differently about the occasion. Instead of asking yourself, “What will they think about my weight?” consciously plan ahead and shift your self-talk to, “What would I like to talk about with this person when I see him/her/them?” Having a plan in place can reduce your anxiety significantly.

The pressure to lose weight before summer is deeply ingrained in our culture, but it doesn’t have to define our relationship with our bodies. By shifting the focus from appearance to self-care, enjoyment and well-being, we can move toward a healthier mindset—not just for summer, but all year long. If you are struggling with body image concerns, please reach out to a mental health professional.

About the Author:

Robyn Pashby, PhD, is a clinical health psychologist who is deeply committed to the mission of the OAC. She has personal experience with obesity and comes from a family with a history of obesity. Over the past 15 years, Dr. Pashby has dedicated her work to integrating mental healthcare into obesity treatment. She has done this in various multidisciplinary settings and, most recently, through her own behavioral health group practice.

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