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NEW YORK — Do you feel your “beach bod” isn’t exactly at its best in 2024? You’re not alone! As the summer season heats up, many young Americans are finding themselves focusing less on the excitement of their upcoming vacations and more on their appearance. In fact, more than half of Gen Z are still trying to get their bodies “vacation-ready” this summer.
A new survey conducted by Forbes Health reveals that a significant portion of the U.S. population, particularly younger generations, feels pressured to get in shape before heading off on a summer trip. The study, in which OnePoll surveyed 2,000 U.S. adults, also sheds light on the pervasive impact of social media, societal expectations, and self-imposed standards on body image, especially in the lead-up to vacations.
The survey’s findings are stark: 51% of Gen Z Americans feel the need to slim down or tone up before a vacation, with social media being a major influence. In fact, 52% of Gen Z respondents cited social media as a key source of pressure.
The impact of social media isn’t confined to Gen Z; 42% of millennials also reported feeling the need to get fit for vacation, with similar concerns expressed by 35% of Gen X and 23% of baby boomers.
“Unrealistic beauty and body standards that accompany toxic messaging run rampant in the summertime,” says Olivia Verhulst, a New York-based psychotherapist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member, in a statement.
This sentiment is echoed by Judy Ho, Ph.D., a clinical and forensic neuropsychologist, who notes that even though Gen Z may be more aware of the importance of positive mental health, they still struggle with body image due to the constant bombardment of “perfect” bodies on social media.
The survey also reveals significant gender differences in how people feel about their bodies before a vacation. Women are notably more likely than men to feel the pressure to look a certain way, with 42% of women reporting these concerns compared to 31% of men. This pressure is reflected in the fact that 56% of respondents have avoided or not wanted to go on a vacation because of dissatisfaction with their appearance.
Despite the widespread pressure to conform to certain body standards, the survey found that more than half of respondents (51%) feel somewhat or very satisfied with their body image. However, the correlation between dissatisfaction and vacation anxiety is clear: 61% of those who are very dissatisfied with their bodies reported that this negativity impacts their ability to enjoy their vacation.
Interestingly, while many Americans feel pressured to get in shape for vacations, fewer maintain their fitness routines while away. Only 38% of respondents said they stick to their diet or exercise regimen during their time off, suggesting that vacations might offer a break from the stress of body image concerns.
Experts like Dr. Sabrina Romanoff advocate for this approach, noting that taking a break from fitness routines can allow for mental and physical relaxation, helping individuals to return home refreshed and ready to resume their healthy habits.
“The most effective way to change your thoughts is to notice when you’re trapped in a vicious thought cycle [and] interrupt it—either by getting up and changing your environment, or changing the topic—to ultimately rewire your brain to have a different association to your body,” Dr. Romanoff says.
The type of vacation also plays a role in how much pressure people feel to get in shape. Beach vacations were identified as the most stressful, with 56% of respondents feeling the need to look a certain way when traveling with family, 52% with friends, and 43% with their significant others. In contrast, city and adventure vacations elicited less pressure, with fewer people feeling the need to get fit before these types of trips.
The survey highlights the ongoing struggle many Americans face with body image, particularly in the context of vacations. To combat these pressures, experts suggest focusing on positive self-talk and shifting the emphasis from appearance to the experiences and relationships that vacations offer.
“It’s hard to maintain positive images of [ourselves] when we are letting our negative self-talk run rampant,” says Verhulst, emphasizing the importance of being mindful of the way we speak to ourselves.
For those looking to enjoy their vacations without the burden of body image concerns, Dr. Romanoff recommends engaging in mindfulness practices and reframing negative thoughts. Instead of fixating on how you look in a bathing suit, she suggests focusing on the joy of being at the beach or the pleasure of spending time with loved ones.
In conclusion, while the pressure to be “vacation ready” is pervasive, particularly among younger generations and women, there are strategies to manage these feelings and focus on what truly matters during a getaway: relaxation, enjoyment, and making lasting memories.
Survey Methodology
This online survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by Forbes Health and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society’s code of conduct. Data was collected from April 22 to April 25, 2024. The margin of error is +/- 2.2 points with 95 percent confidence. This survey was overseen by the OnePoll research team, which is a member of the MRS and has corporate membership with the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR).