Young Danes feel insecure about their bodies

A third fear having to get their clothes off in the showers or at the beach

Every third young Dane is averse to showing their bodies to others, according to a new YouGov survey on behalf of Metroxpress newspaper.

The survey showed that about one third of Danes aged 18-29 didn’t like to shower in front of other people at the swimming pool, fitness centre or after a sports game.

“It’s a big problem, because more and more people feel that way,” Jan Toftegaard Støckl, a professor at the University of Southern Denmark, told Metroxpress.

“They feel like their bodies should be perfect, well-trained and beautiful. And if they don’t think they are, they feel shame and embarrassment, and the obvious move is to cover up.”

READ MORE: Young Danes avoiding the dentist

Oldies, but goodies
The survey also revealed that about one third of young Danes said they didn’t want to show off their bodies at the beach during the summer, and one fifth said they avoided the beach all together as a result.

Meanwhile, older Danes seem to care less about the state of their bodies, or what other people’s opinions are.

Just 13 percent of Danes aged 50-59 said they didn’t want to show off their bodies at the beach during the summer.

TOP STORIES

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs