82 per cent of people are embarrassed by their bodies

Experts have explained how to overcome the feelings of self-consciousness

Naturists have explained how to embrace your own body and join the lifestyle as a new report found even stripping down to swimming costumes is too much for 17 per cent of people, and 82% feel embarrassed or self‑conscious about their bodies.

68% say embarrassment negatively impacts all parts of their everyday life, from what they wear to how they socialise and work. 37% say there is still strong stigma around the “ideal” body type.

Research as part of the Voy Health Index report, Unembarrassing Bodies found 26% say they’ve been covering up body issues for as long as they can remember, with weight, teeth and smile, body shape, signs of ageing such as wrinkles, hair loss, skin concerns and feet among the most commonly cited insecurities.

Naturist UK & Worldwide and Naturist UK & Beyond shared tips on how to embrace the lifestyle:

1. Take small steps: Start at your own pace, even by taking layers off over time. You could start by walking around your home clothes-free to get familiar with the feeling, separating nudity from sensuality. Then move up to short trips to the beach or pool, and build up gradually. Think of it as easing in, like testing the water, just with slightly less layers!
2. Let confidence grow naturally over time: Confidence doesn’t happen instantly. The more you spend time in judgment-free environments, the more normal it feels. Positive experiences will help build your confidence. It’s important to remember that, in these spaces, everyone is welcoming and in the same boat!
3. Don’t forget your essentials: Always bring sunscreen, water, and a towel. Yes, even when you’ve committed to the “less is more” lifestyle, you still need protection, hydration, and something to sit on. After all, there’s plenty of skin to protect…
4. Focus on connection over appearance: Shift your attention away from how bodies look and toward shared experiences, whether that’s conversation, being in nature, or relaxation. It doesn’t take long before nudity becomes background noise and you’ll soon realise the big secret: no one’s really watching you.
5. Practice self-compassion: Everyone has insecurities, and that’s completely normal. What really matters is how you treat yourself. Showing kindness goes a long way, and confidence tends to grow naturally when you feel at ease with who you are.

Dr Earim Chaudry, Chief Medical Officer at Voy, said: “For many, especially younger people, the beach or a summer holiday is not a place of freedom, but exposure. Instead of relaxation, it can trigger self-consciousness and anxiety, turning moments that should be joyful into experiences to dread or avoid altogether”

A spokesperson for Naturist UK & Worldwide and Naturist UK & Beyond, says of the takeover: “For us, naturism is a normal, everyday way of being. It encourages people to feel comfortable in their own skin and creates a welcoming, supportive space where everyone can truly be themselves. It’s wonderful to see our stigma-free way of life being embraced, and we look forward to welcoming even more newcomers to the beach this summer.”

Voy is sponsoring the UK’s oldest nudist beach to challenge body stigma. This includes partnering with Naturist UK & Worldwide and Naturist UK & Beyond, a community of nearly 20,000, to make the stony beach more welcoming.

Beach merchandise will be available free from May 23 at Bison Beach Bar and includes sun loungers, deck chairs, tote bags, towels and yoga mats.