It's Not You, It's Me: Britain's Body Confidence Struggles
Pure surveyed 2,000 British adults on body perception and its impact on their dating prospects. The results show that appearance isn’t impacting Britain’s love life. Rather, it’s a lack of self-confidence.
Body positivity is something everyone can get behind — but when it comes to themselves, Brits struggle to accept that all bodies are beautiful. In fact, a recent study declared the UK one of the least body-confident countries.
With 89% of Brits feeling physical appearance matters in the modern world, it’s no wonder people are so body conscious. Yet, data shows we hold ourselves to a far higher standard than society does.
Key takeaways
- Some 94% of British adults believe physical appearance matters in today’s society, with low body confidence often getting in the way of happy and healthy romantic relationships.
- Yet, while 43% of Brits have backed out of sex due to concerns about their own body, 62% have never bailed on a partner after seeing them naked.
- With most Brits seeking self-assurance over unattainable body standards, a little confidence can provide a real boost when it comes to dating.
Body issues are affecting Brits in the bedroom
For many, stripping off for a quick fling isn’t fun. It’s fear-inducing. So worried that their bodies will be a turn-off, more than a third of Brits (and close to two thirds of women) have let their insecurities get in the way of an intimate moment.
It’s not just in the bedroom where body image can drive a wedge between partners. Shown to increased feelings of stress, anxiety and depression (with some sexual frustration mixed in) 94% of Brits agree that body image issues put a strain on a relationship.
For 53% of Brits, it isn’t simply a matter of pretending not to care. Even if it isn’t causing friction, body image issues often come with decreased physical and emotional intimacy, reduced sexual frequency, and poor communication… all crucial to a happy and healthy relationship.
According to 70% of Brits, differing levels of body positivity can make two people entirely incompatible. It makes sense — Someone that has experienced the struggle of body dysmorphia is more likely to show understanding, while someone who hasn’t may be inclined to dismiss it entirely.
Your body is perfect — and your partner agrees
The human brain is hardwired to think ahead and imagine the problems we might face. In modern Britain, there isn’t all that much to worry about, so we get stuck on insignificant things (such as body hair). And yet, for 75% of Brits, it really isn’t all that big of a deal.
Worried about showing your stretch marks? Chances are, your partner is too. Unsurprisingly, 89% of Brits don’t find stretch marks a turn-off, given 90% of people have them.
Body size and shape is by far our biggest insecurity — 93% of women wish to change at least three areas of their bodies and 21% of British men have dressed in a certain way to hide particular parts of themselves. And yet, when it comes to others, 78% of Brits don’t see size and shape as a dealbreaker.
People spend so much time worrying about what their partner will think when, in reality, they’re probably just as body conscious. The majority of Brits have never bailed on someone after seeing them naked, so if you’ve made it far enough to strip off, chances are they won’t make a dash for the door any time soon.
Britain’s most desired quality? Confidence
We waste enough time looking for the right match without chasing after unattainable body goals — especially when just 27% of people are seeking the ‘perfect’ body. For the vast majority of people, self-confidence is sexy.
Some 98% of Brits feel a positive body image improves sex and relationships, so instead of trying to change who you are, redirect that energy into learning to accept your beautifully unique self.
Methodology: To create this study, researchers from Pure surveyed 2,000 people in the United Kingdom aged over 18 years old. The study includes participants of all genders and ethnicities.
