By Kerrie Jones – 26/06/25
As summer arrives, so too does the familiar pressure to change our bodies. “Shred in six weeks.” “Get beach-body ready.” “No excuses.” These messages dominate our feeds, our conversations, and even our workouts. And while they may be framed as motivation, the truth is: your body is not a project – and health is not an aesthetic.
At Orri, we know that summer can be an especially triggering time for those with a disordered relationship with food, exercise, and body image. The expectation to appear “fit,” “lean,” or “toned” can quietly escalate into behaviours that are far from healthy, particularly for individuals with a strong athletic identity or perfectionist tendencies.
When do summer body health goals become disordered?
Not all exercise or fitness plans are dangerous. But when goals become rigid, all-consuming, or emotionally loaded, they may signal a shift into disordered eating or exercise patterns.
Signs that behaviours may be disordered include:
- They’re driven by shame, guilt, or fear, not health or joy.
- Breaking a food or exercise “rule” causes distress or panic.
- Social life, work, or relationships are compromised.
- They’re used to cope with emotions or prove self-worth.
These patterns may hide under the label of “clean eating” or “fitness goals,” but they can quickly develop into diagnosable eating disorders like orthorexia or exercise addiction.
Orthorexia, for example, is an obsession with eating only foods perceived as healthy – often leading to extreme restriction, anxiety, and social isolation.
If you are living with orthorexia (or think that you could be), here are 5 things to hold in mind as you navigate your relationship with food. Read our blog on “Recovering from Orthorexia >
The role of athletic identity
For athletes (or anyone who strongly identifies as being “fit,” “disciplined,” or “in control”), the pressure to have a certain type of body can be even more intense.
Athletic identity can:
- Equate performance with worth.
- Mask disordered behaviours as “normal” or “necessary” and the believe that it’s just “what athletes do”.
- Make people feel they must stay lean, muscular, or “in shape” at all times.
- Create fear around rest, weight change, or help-seeking, especially in competitive environments.
Even outside of professional sport, many individuals internalise an “athlete mindset” that values pushing through pain, ignoring hunger, or training despite injury. These behaviours can feel validating until they begin causing harm.
How to support someone struggling with disordered eating
Whether you’re a parent, coach, teammate, or friend, your role can make a huge difference. Early support and open conversations can interrupt the cycle and encourage recovery.
1. Challenge the culture
- Call out toxic fitness or diet trends when you see them.
- Share body-neutral messages (e.g. strength ≠ size).
- Celebrate rest, flexibility, and well-being—not aesthetics.
2. Notice the warning signs
- Rigid routines around food or exercise.
- Anxiety about eating in public or missing workouts.
- Avoiding social plans tied to food or body exposure.
- Frequent body-checking, food tracking, or comparison.
3. Start the conversation
- Use compassionate, non-judgmental language:
“I’ve noticed you seem more anxious about food or training – how are you doing?” - Avoid any comments on body size or shape, even positive ones.
- Reassure them you’re there to listen, not fix.
4. Provide safer alternatives
- Suggest joyful movement, not punishment workouts.
- Normalize flexibility in eating and rest.
- Share real-life stories of people recovering and reclaiming freedom.
5. Encourage professional support
Direct people to specialist services, like Orri, where they can find tailored care.
Normalize seeing a therapist or dietitian as a sign of strength.
If you’re a coach or trainer, create a team culture that prioritises mental health, not appearance.
Caring for yourself, too.
Supporting someone with disordered eating can be emotionally draining. It’s okay to have boundaries, protect your own mental health, and seek guidance.
- Limit triggering conversations around food, exercise, or appearance.
- Role-model self-compassion and body neutrality.
- Speak to a therapist, peer support group, or trusted friend.
Summer doesn’t have to be a body battle
Summer doesn’t need to be a season of self-surveillance. Let’s rewrite the narrative: your summer body is simply the body you have this summer.
You don’t have to earn it, shrink it, sculpt it, or post about it.
By challenging diet culture, raising awareness of hidden eating disorders, and holding space for more honest conversations, we create a world where recovery is not just possible, but celebrated.
You don’t need to earn summer, and you don’t need to change your body to enjoy the season. Let’s move away from pressure and towards compassion, curiosity, and care. We’re calling for a #SummerWithoutShame - A summer where all bodies are welcome. Where health isn’t about punishment. Where recovery, rest, and respect are celebrated.
We’re here to help
If you or someone you care about is struggling, get in touch with Orri’s team. We’re here to listen, advise, and offer a safe space for recovery.
