Body Image in the Summer: Considerations for Eating Disorder Recovery

It’s not surprising that body image issues often increase during the summer months. Some research suggests that over 90 percent of women are disappointed with their bodies — and many of these insecurities are put on full display as the weather heats up, as activities, schedules, and wardrobes change. 

This uptick in negative body image is particularly challenging for individuals with eating disorders, as there’s a strong correlation between body image and eating disorders. In fact, body dissatisfaction is one of the most consistent risk factors for eating disorders and also a common predictor of low self-esteem and depression.

Let’s take a closer look at the reasons summer might be impacting body image, why this impact is even more dire for those with eating disorders, and what steps can be taken to keep recovery at the forefront. 

Changes in the Summer Months

While exciting, the summer months come with many changes. This common vacation time is an opportunity to travel and relax, but it also comes with shifts that are unpredictable and hard to manage in eating disorder recovery: 

• Schedule changes for those in school can make it hard to stick to a recovery routine
• Traveling leads to new surroundings, adjusted mealtimes, and differing expectations around food
• New locations also mean new food experiences which, while exciting, can also be triggering or hard to manage in eating disorder recovery
• Warmer weather means changes in wardrobe that can leave some feeling uncomfortable and potentially more self-conscious 

For these reasons, summer can be seen as bittersweet and even potentially anxiety-inducing for someone already struggling with their body image, with food, or with an eating disorder. 

Routine: Recovery’s Foundation

One aspect of eating disorder recovery that is ingrained in formal treatment programs is structure. Structure provides someone in recovery from an eating disorder with a sense of predictability that makes the many challenges of recovery feel manageable. 

As schedules and locales change in the summer, that familiar structure slips away, leaving otherwise ordinary occasions feeling like insurmountable recovery challenges. This lack of structure and routine can lead to increased eating disorder thoughts, leading to overall lower self-esteem and poor body image. As a result, individuals struggling may be reluctant to engage in new activities that are possible during the summer.

All Bodies are Beach Bodies

Popular media often preys on insecurity by focusing on diet culture, impossibly thin models, and “bikini-ready bodies,” particularly during the months leading to summer. This pressure is intensified by comparison on social media against filters and photoshopping, which set an unrealistic bar when it comes to body type. 

Fortunately, the body positivity movement promotes acceptance and love of the body in a hope to improve body image and boost self-esteem. It also aims to challenge the unattainable standards of appearance that we so often see online and in the media. This can trickle down with lasting impacts that can bolster recovery. Before you head to the beach, pool, river, or lake, remember that all bodies are beach bodies and you don’t need to change anything about yourself to enjoy summertime activities.

Staying Recovery-Focused

While it may feel daunting to head into summer with a focus on eating disorder recovery, there are some tips that can make this seasonal transition easier: 

1. Nourish your body even on bad body image days. Restricting your intake will cause more harm than good, and you deserve to eat no matter what. 
2. Practice positive self-talk by highlighting parts of yourself that are not body-related that you appreciate year-round. 
3. Dress for comfort, not based on what society or social media expect you to wear. You will be happier if you feel comfortable, and this can bolster your confidence. 
4. Prepare for potentially stressful situations with your treatment team or a support person. This can help you feel better heading into potentially triggering settings. 

Reach out for support. If the thought of facing your summer adventures feels like too much to take on alone, we are here to support you.