With summer just around the corner, it’s no surprise that many Australians are starting to think about how they’ll look and feel when the weather heats up. But new survey findings show that plenty of people are still chasing the idea of the “perfect summer body” and some are willing to take extreme measures to get there.
The research, collected by popular fitness app MyFitnessPal, highlights just how strong this pressure can be. Almost one in four Australians said they’re aiming to sculpt a “summer body” this year, with younger people feeling it most. Nearly half of 18-24 year olds admit they’re working towards an ideal physique, closely followed by older millennials and those in their early thirties.
What’s even more concerning is how many are turning to quick fixes. From skipping meals to strict dieting and punishing cardio sessions, many Aussies are prioritising short-term results over sustainable habits. It’s a reminder that the healthiest path forward is about progress over perfection and building better routines, not burning out in the pursuit of an unrealistic standard.
The health risks of skipping meals and overly restrictive diets
Michaela Sparrow is a nutritionist and longevity experts as well as being an ambassador for MyFitness Pal. We asked Michaela about the health risks that come with restrictive diets aimed at fast results, rather than adopting a balanced approach to eating.
“Skipping meals or following overly restrictive diets can often lead to a harmful cycle of deprivation, guilt and binge eating. In the short term, this can cause energy crashes, brain fog, mood swings, dizziness, and intense cravings, particularly in the evening, while also reducing motivation to stay active or exercise.
Over time, these patterns can result in muscle loss, a slowed metabolism and even greater weight gain than before. Restrictive diets also increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and reduced bone density. Most importantly, they fail to teach the sustainable habits, like regular balanced meals, hydration, sleep, and consistent movement that are key to long-term health and well-being.”
How can fitness professionals encourage clients to aim for progress over perfection?
While many people are becoming more focused on holistic health, longevity, mobility and strength, the fact remains that a large portion of society are motivated to engage a fitness professional for aesthetics. In a world where filtered images of aspirational bodies are filling our social media feeds and marketing still favours a certain type of body shape, many people are striving for ‘perfection’. While this can be good for business when it comes to fitness trainers, it also carries a responsibility to educate clients on developing realistic and sustainable health goals.
“Getting ‘summer-ready’ shouldn’t mean ‘all or nothing’. For those who are looking to focus on improving their health this season, it’s key to have the right goal in mind, which often means shifting the focus from short-term aesthetics to long-term health and well-being. When we prioritise lasting habits over quick fixes, we’re more likely to build a positive mindset around food and exercise, and less likely to fall into cycles of guilt when things aren’t perfect.
To those working in the wellness space, I encourage to speak more extensively and emphasise the importance of nourishing the body to function at its best, rather than chasing an ideal for one season. It’s about understanding what your body truly needs to feel good, both physically and mentally, as well as using that knowledge to create sustainable routines that last well beyond summer.” says Michaela.
Utilising tools to help guide your clients
Theodore Roosevelt’s famous quote, “Comparison is the thief of joy” never range truer when it comes to the fitness industry. Trainers can use a variety of tools to help counter the harmful body image pressures that impact clients on the daily.
Body scanners are a great substitute for traditional scales because clients can see positives such as lean muscle gain, rather than only focusing on weight loss.
Using tech tools such as apps can make it easier to build new habits and stay consistent.
“Knowledge is power. Apps like MyFitnessPal can be powerful tools for supporting health when used as an educational resource. By focusing on overall nutrition and macros, like protein, fibre, and meal consistency, users can better understand their body’s needs, identify nutritional gaps, and develop long-term, sustainable habits by leveraging the app as a tool to keep yourself consistent and more aware of your nutrition choices.
The newly released MyFitnesspal’s Meal Planner tool is also a great resource to help reduce all-or-nothing thinking by removing the stress from having to make daily food decisions, so you can enjoy healthy, delicious food and get back to life.” says Michaela.
About MyFitnessPal
MyFitnessPal is the #1 global nutrition and food tracking app founded in 2005 with a mission to help people around the world reach their health goals through better food choices by providing knowledge, motivation, and a sense of progress. Supporting nearly 1 million people in reaching their nutrition and fitness goals every year and with a community of over 280 million members in over 120 countries, MyFitnessPal offers members one of the world’s most comprehensive nutrition and food tracking platforms, allowing them to track their food, create personalized and goal-driven meal plans, record exercise activity, and log their weight. With one of the largest food databases in the world comprising over 20 million foods, access to over 2,000 recipes, and over 35 connected fitness partners, MyFitnessPal provides members with the tools for positive healthy change.
Check out these articles:
Are You Going To The Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine Symposium 2025?
As a fitness professional, you already know that real results go beyond the gym floor. While strength training, conditioning, and movement are powerful tools, your clients’ health outcomes are often shaped just as much by what happens outside their workouts – nutrition, sleep, stress, and lifestyle habits. That’s why the Nutrition & Lifestyle Medicine Symposium
Pantry Staples For Transitioning To A Healthier Lifestyle In 2025
With crisp, new planners and journals being purchased and new year’s resolutions being pondered, there are a lot of us setting the intention to eat better and exercise more. WNiF’s resident nutritionist and dietitian, Talia Sparks shares some tips for setting yourself up for success in 2025… Having a well stocked pantry complete with nutritious
Is Biohacking The Next Frontier in Client Engagement?
Biohacking is so popular that there’s an entire subreddit devoted to it these days. What is it, and how can you utilise it as a fitness professional to help your clients achieve their goals? In the noisy fitness landscape, trainers are always looking for ways to stand out from the crowd, so is the rise
Corporate Escapee Helping Others Find Balance From Burnout
James Zammit was inside a float tank, prepping for an upcoming interview when he decided he’d had enough of his corporate career. Fifteen years of long hours and what he described as a “toxic environment” had been taking its toll on his health and wellbeing. “I just decided, I’m not doing this anymore. I’m opening
Post Workout Chupa Chups Protein Anyone?
If you’re hitting the gym, it’s almost a given that you’re probably also trying to limit your sugar intake and watch your nutrition. It’s not always easy when you’ve got a sweet tooth, but Aussie sports nutrition brand BSc® have been working hard to bring exciting new flavours to their sports supplements. Following on from
Good Mood Food: Seven Foods To Boost Mental Health
Article updated September 2025. A healthy, balanced diet can go a long way to improving your mental and physical well-being, but sadly it’s not a cure-all for the millions of Australians suffering from mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Judy Phillips is an Aussie foodie, personal trainer, and mental health advocate who has
Why Eat Less, Exercise More Isn’t Working For Women Over 40
For years, women over 40 have been frustrated as they notice unexplained weight gain despite following the consistent advice that eating less and exercising more is the secret to weight loss. This misguided approach has pushed many into restrictive diets and gruelling workout routines, often with disappointing outcomes. So, why is the age-old simplicity of
A Guide for Supporting a PT Client with PCOS
With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affecting around half a million Australian women, and difficulty in losing weight being a common symptom, it wouldn’t be unusual for a personal trainer to be engaged by a client who is living with this condition. We asked our resident dietitian, Talia Sparks for her advice when it comes to supporting
Healthy Bones Action Week
12th – 18th August 2024 is Healthy Bones Action Week, which aims to highlight the painful and potentially crippling effects of osteoporosis, calling on Australians to make a commitment to bone-healthy food, activity and sunshine. The Importance of Bone Health Bone health is vastly underestimated by many of us and often falls under the radar