Summer Bodies Are a Scam: How Diet Culture Profits Off Your Warm-Weather Insecurities
Every summer, the same narrative resurfaces: slim down, tone up, “get ready” for the beach. Whether it’s magazine headlines, influencer detox plans, or the latest weight-loss drug, the message is clear: your body, as it is, isn’t good enough for summer.
This week on Millennial Body Image Project, we’re calling BS on the billion-dollar summer body hustle. We break down the history of the "bikini body," why it still shows up in your feed, and how to opt out without feeling like you’re giving up.
Key Takeaways:
“Summer body” messaging is rooted in control.
It’s not about health: it’s about shrinking you into a version that’s more palatable, more marketable, and more profitable.
The rules keep changing (on purpose).
From clean grilling to Ozempic, the beauty and wellness industries evolve just enough to keep you chasing an ever-moving target.
Struggling with summer body image doesn’t make you weak.
Even when you know better, you’re still human and you’ve been steeped in these messages your whole life. Self-compassion is key.
Opting out is powerful.
You’re allowed to exist in your body without constantly trying to change it—especially when the sun comes out.
“ You’re not lazy or broken for not wanting to hustle for a ‘better’ body this summer. You’re just done being marketed to.”
Listen to “Summer Bodies are a Scam” wherever you get your podcasts, or join our Patreon for bonus content.
Share this post with someone who needs a reminder that their worth isn’t seasonal.
