Body insecurity is preventing one in seven Britons from visiting the beach, according to new research. A survey of 15,000 adults found that 82% feel embarrassed or self-conscious about their bodies, with 17% feeling anxious about wearing swimwear. Among those who feel insecure about their weight, 26% have been covering up for as long as they can remember.
Young Adults Most Affected
The issue is most prevalent among younger adults, with 24% of Gen Z avoiding the beach entirely. Of those, 40% cite embarrassment about their weight as the primary reason. Overall, 37% of adults believe there is still a strong stigma around the so-called 'ideal' body type.
Sponsorship to Tackle Stigma
The research was commissioned by Voy, a digital healthcare provider, which is sponsoring the UK's oldest and most famous nudist beach, Brighton Naturist Beach. The initiative aims to tackle body stigma and celebrate every 'beach body'. As part of the sponsorship, Voy will provide beach chairs, towels, and yoga mats to make the stony shore more comfortable for visitors.
Voy has also partnered with Naturist UK & Worldwide and Naturist UK & Beyond, a community of nearly 20,000 people, to promote body positivity.
Medical Expert Commentary
Dr. Earim Chaudry, chief medical officer at Voy, said: "For many, especially younger people, the beach or a summer holiday is not a place of freedom, but exposure. Instead of relaxation, it can trigger self-consciousness and anxiety, turning moments that should be joyful into experiences to dread or avoid altogether."
He added: "As summer kicks off and this wave of anxiety sweeps across the UK, we want people to know that you are not alone in this feeling. That's why we are bringing some much-needed upgrades to the famous Brighton Naturist Beach to make it more welcoming than ever for beachgoers."
Body Confidence Concerns
The study, conducted by OnePoll.com, revealed that Brits' body confidence concerns range from head to toe. Weight, teeth, and smiles are the most prevalent worries, followed by body shape, wrinkles, and hair loss. More than two-thirds (68%) of respondents said these concerns adversely affect every aspect of their everyday life, from clothing choices to social and professional interactions.
Naturist Community Response
A spokesperson for Naturist UK & Worldwide and Naturist UK & Beyond said: "For us, naturism is a normal, everyday way of being. It encourages people to feel comfortable in their own skin and creates a welcoming, supportive space where everyone can truly be themselves."
The spokesperson added: "It's wonderful to see our stigma-free way of life being embraced, and we look forward to welcoming even more newcomers to the beach this summer."
Tips for Embracing a 'Skinny-Dipping' Lifestyle
The naturist organisations have shared tips for those looking to embrace body confidence:
- Take small steps: Start at your own pace, even by taking layers off over time. Begin by walking around your home clothes-free to get familiar with the feeling, separating nudity from sensuality. Then progress to short trips to the beach or pool and build up gradually.
- Let confidence grow naturally: Confidence doesn't happen instantly. The more time you spend in judgment-free environments, the more normal it feels. Positive experiences will help build your confidence.
- Don't forget essentials: Always bring sunscreen, water, and a towel. Even when embracing a 'less is more' lifestyle, protection and hydration are still necessary.
- Focus on connection over appearance: Shift attention away from how bodies look and toward shared experiences, such as conversation, nature, or relaxation. Soon, nudity becomes background noise.
- Practice self-compassion: Everyone has insecurities, and that's normal. What matters is how you treat yourself. Kindness goes a long way, and confidence grows naturally when you feel at ease.
