By ONYONI SHARLEEN
Second Year BA Journalism and Mass Communication Student, Chuka University
Not long ago in many Kenyan homes, “You look healthy” meant something entirely different. A fuller body was associated with wealth, health and prosperity. Now it competes with a newer aspiration scrolling across social media feeds: the carefully sculpted “summer body.” This summer body is defined by lean muscles and snatched waistlines.
No one addresses the mental burden of losing weight, the constant counting, measuring, evaluating, and regretting that starts when you wake up and continue until you sleep, quietly draining your energy long before any physical changes show. This unseen fatigue is worsened by the biggest misconception we've been fed: that weight loss follows a straightforward path, that if we do X, we will inevitably achieve Y.
The human body does not simply cheer when you starve yourself, do heavy duty work outs and survive on detox tea sold on social media. The human body is driven into panic mode. In response, the body slows down metabolism and increases hunger signals in an effort to protect itself.
Workouts become more intense and less joyful. Meals shift from nourishing to restrictive. Rest days feel indulgent rather than necessary. Mirrors become measuring tools. The body, once treated as a partner in well-being, becomes a project under inspection.
Even public figures are not spared. Kenyan social media influencer Pritty Vishy once tearfully described herself as “ugly” during a live session. Years ago, her curves would have been seen as a sign of a life well-lived, but on social media, they became a target for relentless bullying. For years, she faced hurtful comments and unrealistic beauty standards that made her question her self-worth, illustrating how digital spaces can intensify narrow beauty standards and deepen personal insecurities.
Social media now offers countless “solutions” for achieving the perfect summer body. Medications like Ozempic originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes are increasingly used for weight loss. Cosmetic procedures such as Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL), liposuction, tummy tucks, and hip implants promise an hourglass figure. These options, heavily advertised online, blur the line between health and aesthetic perfection.
For some women, the shift from pursuing a healthier body to chasing a “summer body” is less about well-being and more about cultural pressure. Health is internal and long-term. A “summer body” is external and seasonal. One asks, how do I feel? The other asks, how do I look? When health is concerned, progress is measured by strength and balance. When appearance concerned, progress is measured by mirrors, photos, and public approval. This can quickly shift the goal meeting the societal expectations.
The search for the “summer body” ultimately reveals more about society than it does about individual women. It reflects shifting cultural ideals, digital influence, and an evolving definition of beauty and health. As trends continue to change and new standards emerge, what remains constant is the deeply human desire to feel confident, valued, and comfortable in one’s own skin. In that reality, the conversation moves beyond size or shape and toward understanding the pressures that shape our choices.
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Shifting the Narrative:
ReplyDeleteAll Bodies are Summer Bodies: Any body is a "bikini body" when you are wearing a bikini. The focus should shift to comfort and confidence.
Year-Round Consistency: Ditch seasonal, extreme goals for sustainable, enjoyable movement.
Self-Care Over Punishment: Exercise to feel good, gain energy, and manage stress, not as a punishment for your size.
To combat the pressure, unfollow social media accounts that promote body shame, invest in clothing that makes you feel confident, and focus on enjoying the season's experiences.