Watching fit actors in romantic films can negatively impact body confidence in dating by promoting unrealistic beauty standards. These films often send the message that physical attractiveness, typically defined by lean, muscular bodies or slim, toned figures, leads to desirability and success in love.
As a result, viewers may internalize the belief that only those who match these narrowly defined standards are worthy of affection or romantic attention. This can lead to self-comparison and dissatisfaction with one’s own body, especially when individuals aren’t having success in dating or feel they fall short of these ideals.
The constant exposure to flawless physiques in romantic films can distort perceptions of what a “normal” body looks like. Instead of focusing on connection, compatibility, or emotional intimacy, viewers may begin to consider appearance the most important factor in dating.
This pressure can erode self-esteem and create anxiety around presentation, leading individuals to feel less confident in pursuing relationships. Ultimately, romantic films with fit leads may reinforce harmful stereotypes.
There is no doubt that being healthy is attractive. However, a great deal of an actor’s time is dedicated to staying fit. They have the financial means to always eat healthy and nourishing food and pay personal coaches and trainers to help them take care of their mental and physical health. In other words, they attain ideals of beauty that are out of the average person’s reach.
Confidence, Dating, and Health
The link between health and dating is quite complex, to put it mildly, especially considering mental health. Physical fitness starts in the mind, with the resolve to get and stay in shape, and involves being confident in your abilities to attain your fitness goals.
However, confidence is something many struggle with, and films are doing nothing to help by perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards. According to a recent survey of 2,000 UK adults, just 23% of women and 19% of men said they felt attractive or confident in their appearance, meaning that four in every five people are not happy with how they look. There were 27,000 searches for “How to be more confident” in one year.
Fewer than half (45%) of men said they thought other people generally liked them, and 42% were confident in their ability to do their job. 56% of women didn’t think others liked them, and only a third were confident in their ability to do their job. 62% of women didn’t believe they were intelligent. In a separate study, it emerged that “how to lose weight fast” was searched 27,400 times over the past year.
Specifically with respect to dating, 2025 research shows that young adults face the highest risk from the mental health effects of gaslighting and ghosting. Such dating behaviors are linked to higher levels of paranoia and depression, especially among young adults.
The pioneering study, co-led by researchers at the University of Brighton in the UK and the University of Coimbra in Portugal, is among the first to examine the actual effect of these increasingly common forms of behavior on mental health.
Researchers surveyed 544 UK adults between the ages of 18 and 40, exploring how damaging behaviors like attempting to control a partner’s routine, suddenly cutting off contact, or manipulating someone to question their truths are connected to depression, paranoid thinking, and other mental health issues.
They found that both coercive control and ghosting were linked to increased feelings of paranoia, while depressive symptoms were associated with gaslighting. These effects remained after accounting for factors like income, age, and individual traits like intolerance of uncertainty and sensitivity to rejection, both of which are inversely associated with the quality of mental health.
The Influence of Media Representation
Media representation plays a vital role in shaping cultural norms. With more diverse bodies and identities appearing in modern TV shows and independent films, there is hope that audiences can begin to see love stories that reflect real-world experiences.
For example, the rise of plus-size and body-positive influencers has begun to challenge the dominant narrative, offering alternative perspectives that prioritize authenticity and emotional intelligence over rigid physical ideals. Campaigns featuring unretouched models and inclusive sizing also empower viewers to celebrate their uniqueness.
Still, the mainstream romantic genre remains behind the curve. If romantic films were more inclusive in terms of age, race, body shape, and physical ability, viewers might feel more represented and validated.
Realistic portrayals of love in the film—ones that emphasize mutual respect, humor, compatibility, and shared values—can inspire confidence and promote mental wellness in the dating sphere.
Conclusion
Romantic films often place an unrealistic spotlight on physical perfection, inadvertently lowering body confidence for everyday viewers. These portrayals can make individuals feel inadequate, especially when they don’t see themselves reflected in the glossy, fit ideals presented onscreen. The connection between media consumption and self-perception is undeniable, particularly in the context of dating.
However, the tide may be turning. More inclusive narratives and authentic representations of love are beginning to challenge these stereotypes, making space for different forms of beauty and emotional connection.
As viewers become more conscious of the messages they internalize, there’s an opportunity to shift focus away from surface-level attraction and toward deeper qualities that truly sustain relationships—empathy, communication, kindness, and shared growth.
