OPINION: I'm sick of hearing the term 'summer body' - it's toxic and outdated

Summer has landed and the weather in Ireland is due to hit 25C this week - but what is on your mind at this time of year? 

Are you excited to finally jump into your swim suit and hit the beach to catch the rays? Are you and your friends non-stop talking about the big trip you have planned over the next few weeks?

Or are you like some who dread the hot weather and minimal clothing? Are you feeling the pressure from society to get in shape and get that "perfect summer body"?

Do you constantly hear people say, "I can't eat that; I have a holiday coming up!" or "I need to go to the gym everyday until my holiday"?

A relatively new term, is "lock-in", that has started appearing on social media. People are saying they need to "lock-in" for summer. Which essentially just means do everything they possibly can to get as fit as they can, or lose as much weight as they can for summer.

In my opinion, this type of thinking is adding so much more stress, worry and anxiety to people who are already living in a society where being anything other than slim is perceived as bad.

Summer shouldn't be associated with fear, worry or insecurities, but unfortunately for a lot of people, including myself, it is. 

Toxic terms like 'summer body' only add fuel to the fire, and they shouldn't be used so loosely on social media or in person anymore.

As a woman who has been fat-shamed and bullied growing up for not being slim, I finally learned to accept the way that I look and not pressurise myself to look a certain way. It took years of learning to love myself.

And I'll be honest; while I may have been on the chubbier side growing up, it was never anything to worry about medically or in general at all. 

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And even if it was, people should never comment on anyone's weight - but they do. This just goes to show how toxic society can be when it comes to people's weight and size. 

Even though the bullying happened years ago now, what was said to me still sticks to me to this day, and while my weight has fluctuated up and down over the years, I could never be satisfied with how I look.

So, I will admit that when I hear the term 'summer body' or hear my friends or people around me stress about getting toned for summer, it does make me panic. 

I believe that everyone should be able to enjoy the summer months, go to beach in a swim-suit or bikini, wear whatever clothes they want, and not feel bad about looking a certain way.

I think a good way to stop toxic behaviour is to call people out and remind them that what they are saying can seriously impact those around them.

If you have a friend who constantly mentions weight, size or calories, around you and it makes you feel uncomfortable, call them out and let them know that this behaviour is negative and toxic. 

Understand that there is no "perfect summer body" and all bodies come in all shapes and sizes no matter what time of the year it may be. Everyone deserves to feel comfortable and enjoy the summer months and shouldn't feel pressured to change themselves to fit into society's toxic mould.

So, if you're reading this and what I'm saying resonates with you, you should get excited for summer! 

Grab some stylish outfits, and your favourite swim-suit, and cut-out the toxic thinking this summer 2025!

Remember, life is too short not to enjoy every moment of it, because I know I will.