As summer is fast approaching many are getting excited for the different activities that comes with it being warmer. Going to the beach, the pool, lake, cookouts, campfires and many other fun activities bring a lot of people joy during the summer months.
Enjoying the hot summer days with friends and family can be a very exciting time, but for those who struggle with eating disorders or even body image concerns, this can be a very anxious time. Trying to navigate through the challenges of what you might look like in a swimsuit or just wearing warmer clothes such as shorts, skirts, etc. can cause a mix of emotions for some.
This seasonal shift can bring a wave of pressure—pressure to look a certain way, to wear certain clothes, or to maintain unrealistic beauty standards reinforced by media and social comparison. For individuals in recovery from an eating disorder or managing disordered eating thoughts, summer may feel less like a break and more like a battle.
Eating Disorder Facts
- 9% of the US population or 28.8 million people will have an eating disorder in their lifetime.
- The overall lifetime prevalence of eating disorders is estimated to be 8.60% among females and 4.07% among males.
- Every 52 minutes, one person dies due to direct consequences of an eating disorder.
- Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness behind opiate addiction.
These statistics are a stark reminder that eating disorders are serious, complex conditions that require compassion, care, and community support. As summer brings new situations, new social events, and more body exposure, it’s essential to protect your mental well-being as fiercely as your physical health.
How to Navigate through Eating Disorder and Body Image Challenges as Summertime Approaches:
- Remember you want to focus on the clothes that fit you, not if you are fitting the clothes.
- Remember the body image spectrum and that we often can be at different places with our body through out the day. That’s okay!]
- Remember it is also important to focus on showing your body respect.
- Surround yourself with supports who will help hold you accountable.
- Surround yourself with people who challenge diet culture and fat phobia tendencies.
- Focus on the importance of fueling your body to enjoy those summertime activities.
- Remember that when you are fueling your body, you are going to be able to be more present with others.
- Focus on the positive qualities that come within instead of what you see in the mirror.
- Keep those positive affirmations visible, and be sure to remind yourself of them.
These small reminders can go a long way. They aren’t just helpful for those struggling with eating disorders—they’re helpful for anyone who feels overwhelmed by the pressures that warmer weather and seasonal expectations can bring.
The Bigger Picture
If you’re struggling, know that you are not alone, and that support is available. Healing is not linear, and you don’t need to face the season—or your recovery—by yourself. Reach out to a therapist, a dietitian, or a trusted support network to stay grounded in your values, and remind yourself that your worth is not determined by your weight, shape, or size.
This summer, let’s redefine health, joy, and confidence—not by changing our bodies, but by changing the way we treat them.
Need Support? We’re Here to Help.
At Avance Care, our Behavioral Health and Nutrition Services are here to support you in building a healthy relationship with food, body image, and self-worth. Whether you’re working through an eating disorder, navigating disordered eating habits, or simply looking to improve your overall wellness, our team of licensed therapists and registered dietitians offer compassionate, personalized care that meets you where you are.
Let us walk alongside you this summer—and every season.
Resources:
Eating Disorder Statistics – National Eating Disorders Association
