Only 9% of young adults are comfortable talking about body-related issues (Image: Getty Images)
One in five Brits find it easier to talk to AI platforms about their health worries than to a medical professional, new research suggests. A study of 15,000 adults found 39% have never spoken to anyone about how they feel.
Additionally, just 9% of 18–24‑year‑olds, and 6% of those aged 55–64, have ever discussed body‑related concerns with a healthcare professional. A quarter (26%) admitted they actively avoid these conversations because they don’t want to draw attention to their worries, while the same proportion believe speaking up wouldn’t help anyway.
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Despite this, 82% of Brits are currently living with embarrassment about their bodies. For 68%, that discomfort spills into everyday life – influencing what they wear, how they socialise and even how they show up at work.
The research was commissioned by Voy as part of its Unembarrassing Bodies report, which explores how stigma continues to shape the way people in Britain think about, talk about and live with body‑related issues.
Dr Earim Chaudry, chief medical officer at the digital health provider, said: “These concerns aren’t just about appearance – they can shape how people live their lives, influencing the choices they make and the situations they feel comfortable being part of.
“Across the UK, there is still more to be done to tackle stigma and remove shame from conversations about our bodies.
“Collectively, there is a real need for better education – from giving people the language to express their concerns to building understanding across support networks and healthcare professionals.”
Eight in ten Brits are embarrassed about their bodies (Image: Getty Images)
It emerged 35% steer clear of certain clothes because of body insecurities.This rises to 46% among women who feel embarrassed about their bodies, compared to 21% of men. Meanwhile, 33% have avoided being in photos, and for 25%, these worries contribute to feelings of anxiety or depression.
The impact also extends into personal relationships, with 13% reporting these feelings have had a negative impact on their sex lives. As a result, 11% feel less willing to date.
The findings, gathered by OnePoll for the report, discovered 41% believe better education would help people feel more comfortable discussing body‑related issues.
More than a third (36%) added that other stigmatised health topics – such as menopause, testosterone and mental health – should be talked about more openly in schools.
Dr Chaudry, from Voy, added: “Without more open conversation, people will continue to avoid seeking the answers they want – and the cycle of embarrassment will persist.
“Breaking that cycle starts with sharing these findings, opening the door to conversations that can pave the way for positive change. We don’t believe bodies need fixing – our ethos is about empowering people to take action, should they want to, and feel in control of their health.”
