Weight Watchers to release Naked Issue after survey finds majority of women dislike their bodies

The weight loss service is tapping into the body positivity movement in its September magazine

Members of Weight Watchers are appearing on the weight management service's September 'Naked' magazine issue

(Weight Watchers)

As many as three quarters of women dislike their bodies, according to a new survey coinciding with the release of Weight Watchers magazine's first "Naked Issue".

Some 60 per cent of women and a third of adult men in the UK revealed that they avoid looking in the mirror when they undress, while a fifth said they did not look at their naked body at all, the poll showed.

The research also revealed how shame is impacting relationships, as some 27 per cent of women said they had sex with the lights off or avoided the act entirely because they lacked body confidence. In addition, 38 per cent of those surveyed said they believed that their partner would not find them as attractive if they saw them in the nude.

The survey of 2,000 men and women was conducted as part of the launch of Weight Watchers magazine’s September issue, which will feature six of the firm's members of varying ages and sizes proudly baring their bodies in a stand against fat shaming.

Hitting back at Photoshopped images that pervade mainstream magazines, the six women who appear in the issue lost a total of 22st 3lbs and hope to encourage others to value strong and healthy bodies. Three male members will appear in the October issue, after losing 29st 13lbs in total.

Helen Renshaw, Editor of Weight Watchers magazine, said the findings of the survey were “worrying”. She explained that the Naked Issue was inspired by the September editions of fashion magazines, including Vogue, that traditionally set trends for the year.

“We love fashion as much as the next person, but what is more interesting than clothes is what is going on in our heads – and how we feel about our bodies," she said.

The Naked Issue comes amid public pressure aimed at mainstream media and advertising to feature and celebrate a diverse range of bodies.

Earlier this year, Women’s Health magazine announced it would ban the phrase “bikini body” on its covers.

“Since our goal is always to pump you up, and never to make you feel bad, here’s our pledge: They’re gone,' she wrote of the phrases. 'They’ll no longer appear on Women’s Health covers,” explained Editor-in-chief, Amy Keller Laird in an essay revealing the new policyu.

Meanwhile, lingerie brand Aerie was last year hailed for releasing untouched images of models in its adverts - a move the firm revealed led to a 18 per cent increase in sales in the second quarter of 2015.