February 6, 2026 — 10:57am
Jessica Seitz, a 33-year-old mother, reflects on the pressures of diet culture that have persisted since her youth in the late 1990s. “I grew up my whole life with weight issues. You won’t find very many Millennials that didn’t at least have bad body image,” she shares. These concerns have evolved with her body changes after becoming a mother at 24, now compounded by social media’s “bounce back culture.”
The pressures Seitz experienced are echoed in a recent scoping review from Flinders University, which found that three in four new mothers struggle with body image. This research highlights a long-standing issue, with pregnancy and menopause identified as high-risk periods for eating disorders and body image issues in women.
The Rise of Weight Loss Drugs
In 2026, the resurgence of “ultra-thin” ideals, reminiscent of the Y2K era, is partly driven by the growing use of weight loss drugs like Ozempic. These GLP-1 receptor agonists, initially intended for type 2 diabetes and obesity, are increasingly used for minor weight loss, despite the lack of official data on postpartum prescriptions.
Social media is rife with post-pregnancy “transformations” enabled by such medications, with celebrities like Meghan Trainor and Serena Williams publicly discussing their use.
Dr. Karen Spielman, chair of psychological medicine at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, notes an increase in young mothers expressing body dissatisfaction, though not necessarily in requests for weight loss drugs. The Therapeutic Goods Administration advises against using GLP-1s during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Social Media and Body Image Pressure
The pervasive influence of social media exacerbates body image issues, as Seitz points out, “Social media is in your face all the time, every day.” This constant exposure can be particularly harmful when users do not disclose how they achieved certain looks.
The Flinders review, led by PhD candidate Madeleine Rhodes, examined the impact of interpersonal and environmental factors on body image. It found that supportive partners and strong social networks positively influence body image, while unrealistic media portrayals and appearance-focused comments can be detrimental.
Dr. Briony Hill from Monash University highlights the prevalence of weight stigma during the perinatal period, which can lead to stress responses and increased health risks, including depression and anxiety.
Expert Opinions and Future Directions
Dr. Spielman emphasizes the importance of context, noting, “10 years ago, people were a little more body positive, and now all of a sudden, people are talking about weight loss being an easy thing because you can just get these medications.”
Courtney Stubbs, who experienced perinatal depression and body image struggles, underscores the pressure to conform to social media ideals. Her public visibility as a business owner and former reality TV contestant added to the pressure to “bounce back” after childbirth.
For new mothers, establishing a supportive network is crucial. Spielman advises leaning on general practitioners and joining mothers’ groups to share experiences and reduce isolation. Rhodes encourages mindfulness in language around pregnant individuals to mitigate appearance-related commentary.
Seitz, who shares her postpartum journey on social media, finds empowerment in connecting with a supportive community. “I have such a lovely community, and it’s really helped me feel more confident in my body,” she says.
If you or anyone you know needs support, call the Butterfly National Helpline at 1800 33 4673, Lifeline at 131 114, Beyond Blue at 1300 224 636, or PANDA between 9am and 7.30pm on 1300 726 306.
