"You are beautiful just the way you are" is an inspiring motto, but applying it to ourselves is challenging. A recent survey reveals many women in the Netherlands feel ashamed of their naked bodies.
The Numbers
Women often describe feeling fat, pale, and dissatisfied. 47% are ashamed of their stomachs, with many feeling inferior overall. Just two in ten report no shame, and only 11% feel confident naked.
Shame is Increasing
These insights come from Healthy NU's body image study. Compared to three years ago, embarrassment is rising—the share of women feeling good naked shrank from 25% to 11%.
Why the Growing Shame?
Greater access to cosmetic surgery and social media's pursuit of perfection play key roles. Curating idealized online images often leads to harsher self-criticism.
Read more: Golden rule for a better self-image
