Dear everyone – here’s a hot tip.
Whenever you see a before-and-after shot of a person, and any words relating to “weight loss!” or “drop those kilos!” or “ditch the calories and look like this” – please, please take it with a grain of salt.
A jumbo-sized grain of salt. The grain of salt to beat all other grains of salt.
Because, while there are some truly worthwhile fitness and wellbeing programs out there, there are just as many that are purporting completely false claims, accompanied by fabricated before and after images that – with some clever Photoshop and fake tanning – appear to be the real deal.
We’ve written about dodgy before and after pictures before. But after seeing the below infographic, I really wanted to write about it again. Because I REALLY want to get the message out there.
The below images all feature Fitness Fakers. People who have faked seriously amazing transformations in the space of hours, or even minutes. Each of the below transformations looks like it would take weeks to achieve. But really, with a flattering camera angle and a bit of sucking in, anything’s possible:
After seeing all of the above, I decided to try my own before and after picture. Just to see if they were actually
I waited for a day when I was feeling super bloated. I removed all traces of make-up and fake tan. I put on a pair of bikini bottoms that are two sizes too small, purchased in 2007, that I’ve been holding onto for whatever reasons. I put on an unflattering sports bra, popped my hair up, frowned, stood in the most unflattering position known to man and then pushed my stomach out as far as possible.
Top Comments
Thankyou Nat!!!
I used to have hundreds of "fitspirational" people I followed on Instagram. I realised early on though that some of it really is just manipulation.
Now? I put quotes to inspire me, rather than people's "transformations". The only person I need to be is myself - and my shape is unique.
Much love for your confidence and bravery posting these xxx
Okay so I did this little experiment for myself without even changing my bottoms or putting on fake tan. Ah the beauty of standing up straight, having knickers placed more flatteringly and angles!!