To not take before/after photos (weightloss)

[PandaEyes56]

I joined an online weight loss programme yesterday. I have 3.5 stone to lose. It asks me to upload a "before" picture, though it's not mandatory. I really don't want to because I feel like I'm "fat shaming" myself by doing so. I am overweight, mostly due to health issues in the past 5 years that have seen me confined to bed a lot and unable to exercise. I feel I eat pretty healthily and try to dress well and take care of my appearance, so I'm actually comfortable in my own skin as I am, but now that i have (mostly) recovered my health, I want to lose the excess weight to be healthier, not because I hate how I look. I feel like by taking a "before" picture to compare, I'm buying into the idea that I look awful now and will be happier if I am thinner. Does this make sense to anyone or am I overthinking it?!

I think you might be overthinking, honestly a before photo isn’t to show how awful you look at all imo - I used my before photos to help me see the differences I was making with my better for me choices - especially on the days I felt down and like nothing had changed. I lost 3+ stone and couldn’t see a difference in myself, yet the before vs current photos helped me realise what a huge difference it was.

Personally I didn’t feel like I looked awful before and I don’t now when I see the photos! I just look heavier, but not awful. I am happier thinner, but more because I can do more, feel better and am able to enjoy things without guilt now that I’ve reframed my thinking about lots of things.

Also I’m proud of my before photo!! That’s the version of me that decided I needed to do better for myself, that’s the version of me that decided I needed to make a change - she’s a good egg!

This makes sense! Thank you for such a wise reply!

I agree with @NewYearNewMee.

I took my ‘before’ pic in a dress that I loved wearing and felt great in. As I reached each milestone in Weight loss, I took another pic in the same dress. I still felt it looked good, but it also showed how my body shape was changing. In fact, I ended up buying the same dress in a much smaller size because I still loved wearing the style after 5.5st.

I don't think you're overthinking it - I think other people don't think about this at all.
I love Sohee Carpenter & she talks about why she doesn't ask her clients to do this in her insta.

Source: Instagram https://share.google/YuIXJbbC6gvk4lToE

So what if your badly shape doesn't visibly change? You're still improving fitness and investing in your health & wellbeing.

I think its great that the visual changes isn't your goal and you've acknowledged that, actually, focussing on the aesthetic as a benchmark could potentially have a negative effect for you.

All the best for your programme!

I also didn't hate myself at my heavier weight, I was quite happy. I lost weight as I was told I was pre-diabetic. I've lost just under 30kg. My PT told me to pick a piece of clothing and try it on. Whilst you might not see obvious changes you would notice in clothes. A skirt that I could barely do up now falls off me.

My "before" picture is on my first day at the gym. I've taken one each year as a reminder to myself of how far I've come. I love the new slimmer me. I watch what I eat, go to the gym 4-5 days a week and ran my first half marathon last year and have 1 booked for this spring already.

It's not about shaming. When things get hard it's a good reminder of all the hard work and effort you've put in. I am never going back to old me. I wasn't unhappy being larger but current me is a stronger, fitter and happier me. I think about what I eat so much better. I love being able to see my muscles at almost 45!

You can always take the picture and not look at it. My biggest regret is not taking my measurements at the start. I took them about a year in. I went from a size 18 being tight to a solid 12-14. I have a new PT as mine moved away so maintained remotely but now time to focus and really progress again. I'll be taking monthly photos as they motivate me and keep me going when I feel a bit defeated.

Whatever you decide I don't think you'll regret making a change. It was the best thing I've ever done. Good luck!

Wish I had one! I have a lot to lose. I am 6 months in. I know I’ve lost weight but struggling to see it. I can feel it in clothes as they are not as tight or are loose round the waist band. But hard to see sometimes.