Study says body image concerns affect wellbeing of young adults in PH
A nationwide survey conducted by Arkipelago Analytics in February 2025 has found that body image continues to have a significant impact on the wellbeing of Filipinos, with younger adults particularly affected.
The study, which utilized both online and offline data collection methods, highlights that 52 percent of Filipinos aged 18–24 report experiencing negative effects due to body image—6 percent higher than the global average for this age group.
The impact remains substantial across other age brackets, with 41 percent of those aged 25–34, 35 percent of those 35–44, and 22 percent of respondents aged 45–54 and 55–64 reporting negative consequences. The lowest recorded impact was among those aged 65 and above at 18 percent.
The most commonly reported consequences of negative body image include low self-esteem, heightened stress and anxiety, and depression or persistent low mood. Other frequently cited effects include social withdrawal, relationship difficulties, and disordered eating habits.
Notably, a majority of those who reported negative effects on wellbeing due to body image said their perception of their own body had worsened compared to 2024, suggesting a growing concern over time.
The study, which aimed to analyze body image perceptions and their link to mental health across different demographics, gathered data from 402 respondents across the Philippines through a combination of online questionnaires, paper-based surveys, and in-person interviews. The survey followed a stratified sampling approach, ensuring broad representation, and has a margin of error of approximately five percent.
“Body image concerns remain a pressing issue among Filipinos, with the youngest age groups experiencing the highest levels of negative impact,” said Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo, Founder of Arkipelago Analytics. “The evolving influence of media, shifting beauty standards, and societal expectations contribute to this growing issue, which has tangible implications for mental health.”
