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Article History

Received: 26 April 2025

Accepted: 6 August 2025

First Online: 31 August 2025

Declarations

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: This study employed a relatively large sample and can boast ecological validity, as subjects used social media in a naturalistic setting, free from demand characteristics. The 4-year span of the study is also a strength. Limitations include sample size issues for the southern hemisphere. The study is also correlational, so it can tell us nothing definitive about causation or possible mechanisms that explain the seasonal trends.

: Based on one earlier study, a self-report survey with a limited sample, we know that body image dissatisfaction among sexual-minority males appears to follow a seasonal pattern. This was based on a 1-year follow-up. This study extends the concept of seasonal body image to a more diverse sample and confirms the pattern across multiple years.

: We now have greater certainty that body image dissatisfaction follows a seasonal pattern, with hotter months associated with greater levels of body dysphoria. However, there also appear to be spikes associated with traditional holiday periods, such as Easter (spring break) and Christmas.

: The authors declare no competing interests.