When the staff of GQ began work on our June/July Body Issue, we knew right away that we wanted to tell stories that featured all kinds of bodies: an argument for building community through physical activity, a profile of an entertainer who uses his as a canvas for the moment's most exciting fashion (and another who uses his own as a projectile), a guide to how to create a holistic approach to working on your own body.
The bigger idea behind this—that all bodies are deserving of love and celebration—was informed by the growing acknowledgement in American society that negativity around bodies is a real source of harm. And that, for many people, traditional ways of talking about health and fitness aren't cutting it.
But even in this semi-enlightened moment, poolside six packs rack up TikTok views and it seems all-but-mandatory for actors to get absolutely shredded for film roles. So we wanted to check in with our readers: how are we really all feeling about our bodies right now? We whipped up a not-at-all scientific poll of our Instagram audience to learn more—here's what thousands of you guys had to say.
Let's start with some good news: the majority of our respondents think things are getting better.
As you see it, are expectations for bodies getting healthier or less healthy these days?
The conversation around bodies has become “less about looks and more about health,” as one reader put it. Publications like GQ are featuring “more realistic routines such as better sleep, better nutrition, and realistic goals,” rather than the images and advice that contribute to unrealistic expectations. And with the growing “focus on mental health" that another reader identified, the conversation around bodies is headed in a positive direction.
On the other hand, the majority of respondents were personally unhappy with the look of their bodies.
Are you happy, overall, with how your body looks?
To many of our readers, the new focus on body positivity and holistic wellness only works for some people. “There's more emphasis on health,” wrote one reader, "but the world is pushing a 'one-size-fits-all' version of it."
For many, but not the majority, of respondents, concern about their body translated to watching what they ear.
Are you currently on a diet?
One specific diet question we had:
Do you eat meat?
12% vegetarian might not seem like much, but that's more that double the national average.
Of course, fitness and wellness routines have been extremely disrupted by the pandemic. And a solid majority of our audience saw unwanted weight loss or gain.
Did you experience any unwanted weight changes during the pandemic?
Many respondents struggled, understandably, with the stress of the last year and a half. “I dealt with anxiety so I didn't do anything,” wrote one reader about their fitness routine. Others described lost progress in their favorite sports, like jiu-jitsu and rock climbing.
And it's clear things are not yet back to “normal” for most respondents.
Have you returned to the gym after COVID closures?
The pandemic has meant setbacks for many people, but a vocal minority of respondents credited the disruptions of the pandemic for improvements in their fitness routines and physical well-being. "The lockdown was good for me. I stopped alcohol, ate less, and I walked every day," wrote one respondent. “I am in my best shape ever,” wrote another. As GQ's fitness and wellness columnist Joe Holder pointed out in the Body Issue, the disruption of the pandemic can also be an opportunity.
Survey responses have been lightly edited and condensed.
Read MoreHow to Design a Better BodyThis summer is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to create the body you want. Our fitness columnist designed a 24-step plan to help you work smarter, eat better, and get moving—starting right now.
By Joe Holder