How Negative Body Image in Americans Can Be Worsened by Thoughtless Remarks
The latest Verywell Mind Mental Health Tracker survey explores how social interactions influence body image perceptions.
CloseAmy Morin, LCSW, is a renowned psychotherapist and bestselling author whose works, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do," have reached readers in over 40 languages. Her TEDx presentation, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," ranks among the most popular talks globally.
In this edition of the Verywell Mind Mental Health Tracker, we examine how social settings can intensify body image challenges.
Explore our previous surveys to learn more about the mental health landscape in the U.S.
As you reconnect with friends and family during the holidays and beyond, it’s important to pause before commenting on someone’s appearance—even if your intentions are kind. Insights from the latest Verywell Mind Mental Health Tracker reveal that remarks about appearance, even positive ones, can inadvertently deepen insecurities for those struggling with body image. Such comments may add unnecessary emotional strain during an already challenging time.
Body image concerns affect a significant portion of Americans, with 30% expressing dissatisfaction with their looks. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these feelings for many, with half of Americans worrying about their appearance at least weekly in the past month, and 22% reporting increased concerns compared to pre-pandemic times.
Managing Holiday Social Pressure
After a prolonged period of social distancing, many Americans eagerly anticipate resuming traditional gatherings. While comfort wear dominated daily life for nearly two years, the prospect of face-to-face interactions with loved ones offers renewed hope. Despite some apprehension about variants like Omicron prolonging the pandemic, vaccination efforts have encouraged many to safely celebrate as usual.
However, this enthusiasm is not universal. Individuals grappling with body image issues may experience heightened anxiety and judgment during holiday events, negatively impacting their emotional well-being. Our survey indicates that those with pre-existing negative body perceptions often face intensified worries during festive seasons:
Think Carefully Before Commenting on Appearance
Reuniting with loved ones after extended separation may expose individuals to remarks or subtle judgments they hadn’t encountered recently.
Research shows that frequent comments about appearance tend to reinforce existing feelings—whether positive or negative. Those dissatisfied with their looks are more prone to feel worse after receiving appearance-related remarks, regardless of the comment’s intent.
Put simply, compliments may not always be received as intended if the recipient’s self-image is already fragile. Body image is a deeply personal perception, and well-meaning comments can unintentionally perpetuate negative cycles:
- 76% of individuals who get body-related comments weekly or more worry about their appearance at least once a week, compared to 38% who receive fewer such comments.
- 33% of those frequently receiving comments report increased appearance concerns since the pandemic began.
Our data also reveals a cyclical pattern: 70% of people who regularly receive appearance comments also comment on others’ looks weekly, versus only 17% among those less frequently targeted. This suggests body image struggles can propagate a chain of negativity.
Generational Differences in Body Image Concerns
Consistent with broader mental health trends, younger generations face greater body image challenges:
- In the past month, 72% of Gen Z and 67% of Millennials have worried about their appearance weekly or more, compared to 54% of Gen X and 31% of Boomers.
- 35% of Gen Z report heightened body image worries since the pandemic, versus 22% of Millennials and 16% of Gen X.
- 57% of Gen Z and Millennials receive appearance comments at least weekly, compared to 30% of Gen X and 14% of Boomers.
Social media usage likely contributes to this generational gap, with 38% of frequent users reporting negative feelings about their appearance. Among Gen Z, half who engage with social platforms daily express poorer body image indicators.
Strategies for Overcoming Negative Body Image
For those seeking to enhance their relationship with their body, adopting body neutrality can be effective. This approach encourages acceptance of the body’s functionality over appearance. Practical steps include:
- Recognizing your body’s strengths and limitations.
- Practicing intuitive eating to respond to your body’s hunger cues without dieting.
- Engaging in physical activities that promote well-being rather than focusing solely on weight loss.
- Being mindful of appearance-focused conversations and gently redirecting them.
Even if you don’t personally struggle with body image, it’s essential to consider how your remarks might affect others, especially during the holiday season and into the new year.
Methodology
The Verywell Mind Mental Health Tracker is an ongoing study assessing Americans’ mental health attitudes and behaviors. Conducted online starting April 28, 2021, it surveys 4,000 U.S. adults with demographics reflecting Census data on age, gender, race/ethnicity, and region.
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By Amy Morin, LCSW
Amy Morin is a psychotherapist and internationally acclaimed author whose books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do," have been translated into over 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed of all time.
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