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127 Before-And-After Pics Show What Happens When You Stop Drinking
"Everything in moderation" is a pretty good rule to live by, especially where alcohol is concerned.
The obvious effects of alcohol on the body include high blood pressure, liver damage, and increased risk of certain cancers, but one of the less-discussed side effects is weight gain.
There are roughly 200 calories in a pint of beer and about 230 calories in 100 grams of vodka, and those add up fast.
When a heavy drinker quits, the physical transformation can be staggering. The before-and-after photos in this collection show people who are barely recognizable compared to their former selves.
Some complemented sobriety with exercise, but many saw dramatic changes from cutting alcohol alone.
It's a reminder that the body is remarkably responsive to what we put into it, or stop putting into it. That same principle is at the center of a very different conversation happening right now: the visible, sometimes dramatic physical changes documented in celebrities who've used Ozempic, where rapid weight loss is raising questions about what "healthy transformation" actually looks like.
But first, the sobriety glow-ups. Take a look.
How Does Your Body Change in One Year Sober?
A year of sobriety brings real, visible changes. If you've ever seen photos of alcoholics before and after quitting, the pattern is consistent: clearer skin, reduced bloating, and faces that simply look healthier.
The benefits are real, but so are the struggles of withdrawal. Read on for both sides of the story.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
The Beard Chronicles
RELATED:
#2
Caught Between Two Worlds
Shane Watson 9 years ago
Thanks for sharing this. By the way, I'm coming up on five years sober (11/29/16). -Shane (Silverladder) fouryearss...b5e167.jpg 
#3
Transformation Vibes Only
#4
Not Quite the Same Day
#5
From Chaos to Class
#6
Glow Up Goals
Sergio Bicerra 9 years ago
I love the fact there is someone's hand in the first pict, like suportting hi
#7
Same Shirt, Different Chapter
#8
Two Drinks, One Transformation
#9
Same Dress, New Vibes
Koen Vleminckx 9 years ago
And that's just the outside. Imagine what it did to their brain ad liver.
#10
Glow-Up Chronicles
#11
From Serious to Smiling
#12
Glow Up Goals
#13
Before and After Wins
#14
Glow Up Vibes
#15
Same Shirt, New Game
#16
Glow-Up Chronicles
#17
Spot The Upgrade
#18
Glow Up Goals
Final score:
138points
Tonya Raleigh (Submission author) 9 years ago
Thank you! It literally saved his life and allowed both of us to have a life worth living.
#19
From Casual To Confident
#20
Glow Up Guaranteed
#21
From Lumberjack To Lounge Look
Final score:
95points
#24
Glow-Up Goals
Final score:
84points
#25
Glow Up Goals
#26
Glow-Up Vibes Only
#27
Couples That Slay Together
#28
Cheers And Greetings
#29
Candid vs. Curated Glow-Up
#30
Morning vs. Night Mood Shift
#31
Transformation in Progress
Final score:
65points
#32
Flip The Script
Final score:
63points
Zugga aka Pia Isabell 9 years ago
Look really young .. all you need is a smile on that healty new face :0)
#33
Glow Up Vibes
Final score:
62points
#35
From Ties To Tees
Final score:
59points
Rosemary Walsh 9 years ago
My father FINALLY became sober. I will always wish he had done it when I was a young girl.
#36
From Hospital Gown to Waterfall Crown
Final score:
47points
Caroline Hoxter 9 years ago
Good for you! On the left you are in a hospital bed. On the right you are fit and healthy. You should be very proud!! You rock, keep it up.
#38
From Casual To Corporate
Final score:
42points
#40
From Couch to Course
Final score:
40points
#41
Glow Up Vibes
Final score:
40points
#42
Glow-Up Chronicles
Final score:
39points
#43
Glow Up Goals
Final score:
39points
#44
Glow Up Goals
Final score:
38points
#45
Sunshine And Shade
Final score:
35points
Michael Southern 9 years ago
I'm thinking the photo on the left is the after photo, and the one on the right is the before photo! Just possibly...
#46
Tattooed and Thriving
Final score:
35points
Christina Brault 9 years ago
You're so happy and making so many things happen! So stoked for you girl!
#47
From Couch Potato to Contour King
Final score:
34points
#48
From Furry Friends to Game Day Vibes
Final score:
28points
#49
Glow Up Vibes
Final score:
27points
#50
Glow-Up Level Unlocked
Final score:
25points
#51
Glow Up Goals
Final score:
23points
#52
Progress You Can See
Final score:
21points
#53
Flipside Fitness Stories
Final score:
21points
#54
Unexpected Transformations
Final score:
20points
Katelynn Tirjan 9 years ago
I think the 1st pic is her current pic. It's the same as her profile pic.
#56
Mud, Sweat, And Smiles
Final score:
19points
#58
Wave Chaser vs. Trailblazer
Final score:
18points
#59
Quiet Confidence Unfiltered
Final score:
17points
#60
Retro Shades, Modern Vibes
Final score:
15points
Michelle Turner 9 years ago
I dont have a picture but I am hitting my 25th year! Bravo Sister!!
#62
From Rocker to River Rat
Final score:
14points
#63
Glow-Up Goals
Final score:
13points
#65
Legends Wear Many Colors
Final score:
12points
#66
Two Sides of Chill
Final score:
11points
#67
From Wild Nights to Filtered Days
Final score:
11points
Jessica Hardy 9 years ago
I know you! How cool you made it on Bored Panda. You look awesome and so healthy!
#68
Beard to Mustache Switch-Up
Final score:
11points
#70
Sweet Victory Moments
Final score:
10points
#71
Beard Game Level Up
Final score:
10points
#72
Hat Game Strong
Final score:
10points
#78
Glow Up Chronicles
Final score:
7points
#79
Glow Up Goals
Final score:
7points
#82
Glow Up Marathon
Final score:
6points
#83
Ready for the Ride
Final score:
6points
#85
Subtle Shades of Bold
Final score:
5points
#89
Glow Up Goals
Final score:
5points
#93
Glow Up Alert
Final score:
4points
#94
Silent Treatment Chronicles
Final score:
3points
#97
Glow Up Goals
Final score:
3points
#99
From Couch To Contour
Final score:
3points
#104
Glow Up Goals
Final score:
2points
#109
Transformation Vibes
Final score:
1point
#110
Classic With A Twist
Final score:
0points
#117
Before and After Reality Check
Final score:
0points
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What do you think ?
iblowsheep 9 years ago
okay how about renaming this as "What happens when you reduce your caloric intake and/or get more exercise". i know plenty of skinny drunks.
Nora Elisabeth 9 years ago
Guys, WHY on earth are you focusing on their weight??? It is so not about about that. It is about their health. look at their skin, eyes, their much healthier look. In all of these before and after pictures all I see are happier, healthier people, who have more life energy and look actually like they enjoy life. My dad is VERY skinny drunk... only one week of not drinking makes a HUGE difference. He gains weight, he looks much younger, his eyes radiate happiness, his mind is sharper. He simply looks human again. So get over your petty fat-non fat views, because weight is not the point here whatsoever.
Arjan 9 years ago
Looks like the men learn to shave after getting sober and they all of them lose weight. The photo quality also seems to get a lot better :p
Bobby Fasulo 9 years ago
This guy is my friend and I've personally watched the miracle of sobriety transform him for the better, both spiritually and physically.
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iblowsheep 9 years ago
okay how about renaming this as "What happens when you reduce your caloric intake and/or get more exercise". i know plenty of skinny drunks.
Nora Elisabeth 9 years ago
Guys, WHY on earth are you focusing on their weight??? It is so not about about that. It is about their health. look at their skin, eyes, their much healthier look. In all of these before and after pictures all I see are happier, healthier people, who have more life energy and look actually like they enjoy life. My dad is VERY skinny drunk... only one week of not drinking makes a HUGE difference. He gains weight, he looks much younger, his eyes radiate happiness, his mind is sharper. He simply looks human again. So get over your petty fat-non fat views, because weight is not the point here whatsoever.
Arjan 9 years ago
Looks like the men learn to shave after getting sober and they all of them lose weight. The photo quality also seems to get a lot better :p
Bobby Fasulo 9 years ago
This guy is my friend and I've personally watched the miracle of sobriety transform him for the better, both spiritually and physically.
Load More Replies...
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