Majority of Filipinos report negative body image impacting their wellbeing

Body image continues to significantly affect the wellbeing of Filipinos. This is a finding of a survey conducted by the research firm Arkipelago Analytics throughout the Philippines in February 2025.

Younger adults, specifically those aged 18 to 24, show the highest levels of negative impact, with 52 percent reporting detrimental effects—6 percent higher than the global average for this age group.

The respondents who experience negative impact become fewer as the age groups get older.

For the 25 to 34 age group, 41 percent experienced negative consequences, followed by 35 percent in the 35 to 44 range.

Respondents aged 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 each reported 22 percent, while those aged 65 and older registered the lowest impact at 18 percent.

Most participants identified low self-esteem or low self-worth as the most common consequence of negative body image, followed by increased stress or anxiety and lastly by depression or persistent low mood.

Avoidance of social events, relationship difficulties, and disordered eating habits were also frequently cited, though to a lesser extent.

The majority of those who reported negative effects on well-being from negative body image said their current body image is “slightly more negative” compared to 2024, suggesting that concerns may be intensifying over time.

Arkipelago Analytics said the survey was designed to explore how Filipinos from different age groups experience body image and well-being, capturing data on mental health and associated behaviors.

Its combined approach included online questionnaires, paper-based surveys, and in-person interviews. The study employed stratified sampling and gathered responses from 402 participants across the country to ensure broad representation. The margin of error stands at approximately five percent.

“Body image challenges remain a critical concern for Filipinos of different backgrounds, but our findings indicate that the youngest age groups are especially susceptible,”  Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo, founder of Arkipelago Analytics, said.

“Rapid changes in media influence, cultural standards, and societal expectations all play a role, and these evolving pressures can translate into tangible mental health implications,” she added.

For more information on the survey methods or to receive a detailed breakdown of results, please contact Arkipelago Analytics at cio@arkipelago.asia. 

Further details, including an analysis of the data, can also be found at https://www.arkipelagoanalytics.com/.