After my first baby, I lost a lot of weight through breastfeeding. I ended up 4- 5kg below my ‘ideal weight’. People kept telling me how great I looked and how ‘lucky’ I was to be ‘one of those mums’ who loses weight when she breastfeeds.
But I felt awful. I was depleted, bony, and had zero energy.
That experience left me deeply cynical about before-and-after shots.
Here’s the thing: they’re everywhere because they work. They’re a simple, eye-catching way to sell a program, whether it’s a diet, workout challenge, or miracle supplement. And I get it- there’s nothing wrong with having a goal to lose weight or wanting to feel confident in your skin.
But before-and-after shots don’t tell the whole story.
Here’s the reality:
✨ Most people regain the weight they lose on diets or challenges- often within a year.
✨ Weight loss doesn’t always improve your body composition. You might lose muscle mass along with fat, leaving you weaker.
✨ Losing weight can make you feel worse, not better. Think fatigue, mood swings, and a loss of strength or vitality.
The next time you see a before-and-after shot, ask yourself- what’s missing from the picture? How’s her sleep, her energy, her confidence? Is she stronger, more capable, and more resilient? Or is she depleted, like I was?
Let’s celebrate real transformations- the ones that go beyond the scales.
PS: I’m not saying everyone in a before-and-after shot feels worse afterward. Not at all! But if someone’s showing you those photos and has an offer to sell, take a moment to think critically. Are you seeing the full story?