The Good Life Hub
We wanted to find out the effects of social media and other factors on peoples’ body image.
Our Body Perception Survey asked participants questions about their satisfaction with their body image and how factors such as social media and lifestyle factors affect this. Of those who answered having previously had cosmetic surgery, 50% were more unsatisfied with their body image now than five years ago. Considering this chance of worsened body perception and potential surgical complications, it’s important to consider all the potential risks and alternatives to surgery before pursuing it.
The Good Life Hub is your centralised library of expert resources, designed to offer advice, insights and guidance on healthy lifestyle choices and body image awareness.
Whether you are considering cosmetic surgery or simply looking for ways to improve your overall wellbeing, you will find something here that could help you make informed decisions about your body and self-perception.
What you’ll find in the Good Life Hub
Our collection of blog posts and research-based insights covers a wide range of topics, including:
The power of lifestyle changes in enhancing body image
Lifestyle adjustments - such as fitness, nutrition and mindfulness - can positively impact your self-image. 72% of those who answered the survey voted that they believed personal lifestyle changes affect body perception, this is higher than the 39% who voted that cosmetic surgery procedures can influence body image.
Many people find that adopting healthier habits leads to greater confidence and a more positive self-image, sometimes even reshaping their perspective on whether cosmetic surgery is the right choice for them. Implementing these options into your regular habits can help you feel more in control of your wellbeing and provide an alternative way to enhance body satisfaction before considering surgical intervention.
The limited impact of cosmetic surgery on long-term body satisfaction
The risks of surgery, along with the minimal and sometimes detrimental effect it has on a person’s body perception reinforces the importance of having realistic expectations before deciding on surgery. While some people may experience a short-term boost in confidence, long-term satisfaction depends on a range of psychological and emotional factors.
Any decision to proceed with surgery should be based on a well-rounded understanding of potential outcomes and body image concerns may persist even after surgery is performed It’s worth considering whether underlying body image concerns may persist, even after physical changes and to be sure that any decision to proceed with surgery is based on a thorough understanding of potential outcomes.
The role of social media in body image perception
While social media may not be the primary influence on body image concerns, its impact is undeniable. 62% of those who answered the survey feel like Instagram has a big impact on their body image and 46% of those who said they used social media multiple times a day felt negatively about their body image.
Constant exposure to edited images, unrealistic beauty standards and influencer culture can significantly affect self-esteem. In our Good Life Hub, we explore strategies for developing a healthier relationship with social media, recognising manipulated content and fostering a more positive self-view.
