We’re far more than just a number on the scales – so why are half of the population still measuring their self-worth based on their weight and physical appearance? Here’s what an expert thinks. 

Body+Soul’s Health of the Nation campaign is back and bigger than ever – with our new report detailing the health goals, habits and concerns of everyday Aussies across the country. 

From our fluctuating exercise routines to our steadily increasing stress levels, the 2025 survey reveals exactly where Aussies are struggling the most when it comes to their health, as well as why that might be.

Luckily, our bustling team of experts are here to guide you towards a healthier body, mind and soul – starting with the basics. 

Because, despite the 2025 HOTN report revealing 71 per cent of Aussies consider themselves knowledgeable about health and well-being, only 62 per cent believe they are in good health. 

To make matters worse, 52 per cent of Aussies reported being unsure about who to trust when it comes to health advice – a stark reminder of just how much damaging misinformation is floating around. 

It’s this misinformation and dieting content that is largely to blame for the fact that 52 per cent of Aussies worry about their weight, says Kic co-founder and CEO Laura Henshaw.

“It’s a combination of the constant comparison and unaccredited advice that floods social media. Once you’re sucked into the diet culture algorithm it’s a very slippery slope,” she says. “We’re seeing so many toxic trends on TikTok that are glamorised as “wellness,” but in many cases, it’s just restrictive eating in disguise.”

Our growing discomfort with how we look has led to an unfortunate increase in unsustainable health practices targeted towards fast weight loss such as under-eating and over-exercising. In cases where dissatisfaction surrounding body image is not addressed in a healthy manner, it can be common for people’s mindsets and habits to develop into something far more serious. 

“The Butterfly Foundation released a study last year that found the rate of eating disorders in Australians aged between 10-19 has almost doubled in the last decade at a rate of 86 per cent,” Henshaw says. “The stats are terrifying. It’s proof that the rise in eating disorders is linked to social media.”

“Although there is more awareness around the mental health benefits of moving your body, body image still deeply influences their motivations,” adds the personal trainer and wellness advocate. 

Our growing discomfort with how we look has led to an unfortunate increase in unsustainable health practices targeted towards fast weight loss such as under-eating and over-exercising. 

“Unfortunately, the highest users of social media are under the age of 25 so the increase of these issues is overwhelmingly impacting our younger generations,” adds Olivia Morrison, Kic’s dietitian and nutritionist APD. 

“The amount of different people you can see in one day on Instagram or TikTok could be a year’s worth of people in other generational contexts so it makes sense that there’s an increase of negative self-comparison because of the rise in virtual accessibility to others.”

While it’s only human nature to worry about certain physical or emotional fluctuations from time to time – including our weight – Morrison says there are a few signs that a person’s ‘harmless worrying’ may have taken a turn for the worse. 

According to the dietitian and nutritionist, certain behaviours – such as letting a number on a scale determine your mood and state of anxiety, severely restricting food or using exercise as a way to ‘punish’ your body – may be indicative of body dysmorphic disorder and disordered eating.  

“Although there is more awareness around the mental health benefits of moving your body, body image still deeply influences their motivations,” adds the personal trainer and wellness advocate. 

We need to focus on sustainable health practices

As the 2025 HOTN report reveals, a general disconnect exists between people’s understanding and action in all areas of health – from fitness and nutrition to mental health and wellness. So, how do we bridge the gap?

According to experts like Henshaw and Morrison, the answer lies in focusing on achievable goals shaped using sustainable habits, rather than completely life-altering ones. 

“Unfortunately, feeling 100 per cent positive about your body all the time is an unrealistic goal. Instead, focus on being more accepting of your body. It’s often helpful to aim for ‘body neutrality’ first, before body positivity, as changing perceptions of yourself to improve body image is a daily practice and it does take time,” says Morrison.

Morrison’s tips to start improving your relationship with your body: 

• Reduce body checking and avoidance behaviours.
• Practise positive body affirmations i.e., What parts of your body are you grateful for? My arms allow me to cuddle my baby/dog.
• Implement mindful eating techniques to improve the mind-body connection with food.
• Prioritise activities that make you feel good in your skin e.g., bubble baths, walking the dog, dancing, playing the guitar. 
• Be mindful of your social media consumption, it’s important to actively question if what you see on your feed are things/people that make you feel good or things that negatively impact your sense of self. 

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with an eating disorder contact The Butterfly Foundation National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 for support.