Let’s talk about the summer body scam: why you can (and I highly recommend that you) opt out.
Summer is one of my favorite times of the year. Sunshine, summer swim season, pool days, popsicles… and the onslaught of “get beach-ready” messages that make you want to crawl into a hoodie and hide until October. Sound familiar?
In our latest episode of The Millennial Body Image Project, Cristina and I take a deep dive into the age-old myth of the “summer body.” Spoiler alert: it’s a scam. A carefully packaged product sold to us by diet culture and the “wellness” industry to make us feel inadequate—and then sell us stuff to fix it. So let’s unpack it, shall we?
So… What Is a Summer Body?
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “What even is a summer body?”—congrats, you’re already ahead of the game. The whole concept is just diet culture in a sundress. Somewhere along the way, we were sold the idea that in order to deserve warmth, joy, or a day at the beach, we had to earn it with flat stomachs and juice cleanses.
But here’s the thing: this isn’t about health. It’s about control and conformity. And in the episode, we trace this narrative back to its roots—from restrictive fashion in the 1920s to the rise of the “bikini body” ideal that still haunts us every time we scroll Instagram.
Want to hear how this messaging got so deeply ingrained—and how we can break free? Listen to the full episode here!
Breaking free from the summer body scam is tough. Here’s what you can do about it.
These expectations don’t just mess with your wardrobe—they mess with your mind. That anxiety you feel before a beach day? That voice that says “maybe I shouldn’t go unless I lose X pounds”? Totally valid—and also manufactured.
In the episode, Cristina and I talk about the emotional toll these messages take and why we need to stop blaming ourselves for having them. Instead, we can get curious. Where did these thoughts come from? Who benefits when we believe them?
Here’s what we suggest to start untangling that mess:
- Spot your triggers. Social media, group chats, your aunt’s comments—clock what makes your body image spiral.
- Curate your feed. Fill your scroll time with body-diverse, joy-filled content that reminds you beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all.
- Reframe the narrative. Instead of dressing to “hide” your body, wear what feels fun, functional, and you.
- Build your safe circle. You deserve relationships (and maybe even professionals) who help you feel grounded and good in your skin.
- Mute the noise. Not every hot take deserves your energy – or screen time.
Gentle reminders to reclaim your summer
This summer, your body doesn’t need a glow-up. It doesn’t need to shrink, tighten, or be hidden under a carefully curated coverup (unless that’s your style, in which case: rock it). What it needs is freedom—freedom from rules, from shame, from unrealistic standards that keep joy just out of reach.
Cristina and I are here to remind you: your body is already summer-ready. No modifications required.
So grab your sunscreen, your favorite snack, and that outfit that makes you feel like you. Step outside as you are. You don’t need to opt in to the summer body hustle to live fully this season.
🎧 Need a little extra pep talk? The episode is packed with historical context, mindset shifts, and some hard truths that’ll make you want to toss your scale in the recycling bin. Listen here!
Resources mentioned:
- Summer body image support quiz
- How to make peace with weight gain
- Navigating body image struggles in the Ozempic era
- Workshop: how to navigate a Body Image Spiral with the EAP!
Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month, and over 2 years of extra content to support you on your body image journey. https://www.patreon.com/c/millennialbodyimageproject/
Find your hosts:
