More than half of Australians chasing the perfect "summer body" - more than double last year

MyFitnessPal

Key Facts:

More than half (53%) of Australians surveyed are hoping to achieve a “summer body” this year, more than double last year (25%), according to new survey data from the world’s number one nutrition and food tracking app, MyFitnessPal.
Almost three-quarters (73%) of Gen Z and a similar number of Millennials (70%) surveyed plan to achieve a “summer body” this year, compared with 48% of Gen X and just 30% of Boomers.
Among those Australians working towards achieving a, “summer body”, more than half (56%) plan to cut calories, while almost one in three (32%) plan to skip breakfast, lunch or dinner either daily, or at least once a week.

Sydney, Australia, 28 September 2026 – As Australians begin counting down to summer, new data has revealed the pursuit of the, “summer body,” is on the rise, with more than half (53%) of Australians polled in a recent survey hoping to achieve one this year – more than double last year’s (25%), signalling growing interest in the seasonal shift.

According to data from the world’s number one nutrition and food tracking app, MyFitnessPal, younger Australians are leading the charge, with almost three-quarters (73%) of Gen Z and 70% of and

Millennials surveyed planning to work towards a “summer body” this year. This compares with 48% of Gen X and just 30% of Boomers.

The findings also reveal the continued influence of appearance expectations as the warmer months approach, with more than one in three Australians surveyed (36%) saying they feel societal pressure to achieve a, “summer body.”

For those actively working towards their summer goals, cutting calories is the most common approach, with more than half (56%) planning to reduce their calorie intake. However, more restrictive behaviours are also common, with some reporting they skip breakfast, lunch or dinner either daily or at least once a week.

Nutritionist and MyFitnessPal Ambassador, Michaela Sparrow, said the survey findings demonstrate why Australians should focus on sustainable nutrition habits, rather than short-term fixes in the lead-up to summer.

“With many Australians looking to achieve a ‘summer body’, it’s important that the desire to look or feel a certain way doesn’t come at the expense of nourishing our bodies properly,” said Michaela.

“Cutting out meals or drastically restricting what we eat can make it harder to build healthy habits that last. Instead of pursuing perfection for a particular season, tools like MyFitnessPal's AI Coach can help Aussies make sense of what they're already tracking, understand what they’re eating and recommend balanced choices that support their individual health and nutrition goals.”

Among Australians surveyed who are pursuing a ‘summer body’, more than one in four (28%) are aiming to lose 5kg, while fast food, sugar, takeaway, alcohol and snacks are the most common items people say they plan to cut back on in pursuit of their ideal summer physique.

“It can be tempting to label certain foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, particularly when we have a specific goal in mind. But healthy eating doesn’t have to mean removing everything you enjoy,” continued Michaela.

“Tracking your nutrition can help you better understand what you’re consuming – from calories through to nutrients such as protein and fibre – and make informed adjustments that work for you. Ultimately, progress should be about building a healthier relationship with nutrition and creating habits that can continue well beyond summer,” added Michaela.

To learn more about tracking, visit www.myfitnesspal.com or download the app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

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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.

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