Waist and Abdomen Top Concern for Women's Body Image; 'Perceived Effectiveness' is Key Factor in Choosing Slimming Treatments at 60%

Survey on Women’s Approach to Slimming and Body Care

When standing in front of the mirror, you might suddenly become aware of your body lines.

As seasons change and you pick out clothes, you may feel, "I used to wear this more flatteringly."

Body image concerns evolve with age, and everyone approaches them differently—some adjust their diet, others start exercising, and some consider professional treatments.

So, which parts of their bodies do women worry about, and what care methods have they tried so far?

In collaboration with Forest Symphony Co., Ltd., we conducted a survey targeting 145 women who previously responded that they are currently concerned about their body shape or silhouette.

※ When quoting this press release, please:

· Clearly state the source as "a survey by NEXER Group Inc. and Forest Symphony Co., Ltd."

· Include a link to Forest Symphony Co., Ltd. (https://www.forestsymphony.jp/)

Survey Overview: 'Approach to Slimming and Body Care'

Method: Online questionnaire

Period: June 8 – June 15, 2026

Respondents: Women who previously indicated concern about their body shape or silhouette

Valid Responses: 145 samples

Survey Questions:

Q1: Which body parts do you feel concerned about? (Multiple answers allowed)

Q2: When did you first start noticing concerns about your body shape or silhouette?

Q3: What slimming or body care methods have you tried before? (Multiple answers allowed)

Q4: Why did you choose slimming treatments at esthetic salons?

Q5: How satisfied are you with slimming treatments at esthetic salons?

Q6: What factors do you prioritize when choosing slimming treatments? (Multiple answers allowed)

Q7: What is the most important factor for you, and why?

※ Percentages are rounded to the nearest hundredth, so totals may not add up to 100%.

Most Concerned Body Part: 'Waist and Abdomen' at 72.4%

First, we asked which body parts women feel concerned about.

The most common response was 'waist and abdomen' at 72.4%.

This was followed by 'buttocks and hip line' at 42.1%, 'thighs and calves' at 40.7%, and 'upper arms' at 34.5%.

Over 70% of respondents are concerned about their midsection.

The abdominal area is prone to visible changes due to aging and daily lifestyle habits, and since it affects overall appearance, it’s likely a key concern for many.

When Body Image Concerns Began: Most Commonly in 'Their 30s' at 22.1%

Next, we asked when women first started noticing body image concerns.

22.1% said 'in their 30s,' followed by 'in their 40s' at 20.7%, and 'in their teens' at 19.3%. Additionally, 'in their 20s' was 16.6%, 'in their 50s or later' was 14.5%, and 'recently started noticing' was 6.9%.

While 30s and 40s are the most common periods, there is no single dominant age. Nearly 20% have been concerned since their teens. Body image concerns are not limited to a specific age group and can arise at any life stage.

Most Tried Methods: 'Dieting' at 36.6%

Next, we asked about slimming and body care methods previously tried.

The most common was 'dieting' at 36.6%.

This was followed by 'exercise and strength training' at 33.1%, 'have not tried anything' at 17.2%, and 'supplements and health foods' at 6.2%.

Additionally, 'massage and self-care tools' accounted for 2.1%, 'esthetic salon slimming treatments' at 2.1%, 'medical institution or clinic treatments' at 1.4%, and 'others' at 1.4%.

Top methods were 'self-managed care' like diet and exercise.

Although few in number, we asked those who actually tried esthetic salon slimming treatments about their reasons:

Why did you choose slimming treatments at esthetic salons?

· Because I thought it would help me lose weight. (Female, 50s)

· I wanted to lose weight easily. (Female, 60s)

Responses like 'seems effective' and 'want to lose weight effortlessly' suggest a desire to achieve ideal body shape with professional support, not just through self-effort.

We also asked about satisfaction levels among those who tried esthetic salon treatments.

33.3% said 'somewhat satisfied,' while 66.7% responded 'neutral.'

Few have tried professional treatments at esthetic salons or medical institutions, suggesting most prefer starting with accessible methods.

Key Factor in Choosing Slimming Treatments: 'Perceived Effectiveness' at 60.0%

Finally, we asked what factors women prioritize when choosing slimming treatments.

The top factor was 'perceived effectiveness and visible results' at 60.0%.

This was followed by 'price and cost-performance' at 49.7%, 'low rebound rate' at 40.0%, and 'minimal pain or physical burden' at 34.5%.

With 60% citing 'perceived effectiveness,' it’s clear that people want visible results when investing time and money.

Considering 'price' and 'low rebound' together, many likely hold a practical expectation: 'The results should last as much as I pay for it.'

We also collected reasons from respondents:

Those who chose 'perceived effectiveness and visible results':

· It’s encouraging when changes are visible. (Female, 20s)

· If there’s no result, I won’t continue. (Female, 30s)

· Even if it’s expensive, I’ll keep going if it works. (Female, 30s)

Those who chose 'price and cost-performance':

· I don’t want to spend much money. (Female, 20s)

· I can’t continue if it’s not affordable. (Female, 30s)

· I wasn’t working at the time, so I couldn’t afford it. (Female, 30s)

Those who chose 'low rebound rate':

· I want to lose weight healthily. (Female, 20s)

· If I go back to my original state after treatment, it’s pointless. (Female, 30s)

· I’ve failed with dieting before. (Female, 30s)

Respondents who prioritized effectiveness expressed strong expectations: 'I won’t continue without results' and 'I’ll keep going if it works, even if expensive.'

Those who mentioned price linked affordability with sustainability: 'I can’t continue unless it’s cheap.'

And those concerned about rebound said, 'It’s meaningless if I go back.' They’re not just seeking weight loss, but sustainable, manageable methods that deliver lasting results.

Summary