Join the Fun!

18 - 23 Went Through A Weightloss Journey And Learnt How To Look After And Groom Myself

Final score:

254points

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Laura Zaini 3 years ago

very good job

24points

Me At 13 vs. Me At 27 Do I Belong Here?

Final score:

230points

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That Bored Panda 3 years ago

Yes you do! Great work!

29points

Being an ugly duckling, which takes its name from Hans Christian Andersen’s tale, refers to glowing up and developing into an attractive and successful person as opposed to what one has been before in their early days. But many people grew up with the idea of being an “ugly duckling” when they were kids and for some, it still follows them into their adult life.

Depressed, Lost, Demotivated Because Of Chronic Tinnitus And Hearing Loss, But I've Decided To Take Things In Hand And Make It Better, Here I Am After 4 Months Of Transformation Journey.. Still Got Miles To Go

Depressed, Lost, Demotivated Because Of Chronic Tinnitus And Hearing Loss, But I've Decided To Take Things In Hand And Make It Better, Here I Am After 4 Months Of Transformation Journey.. Still Got Miles To Go

Final score:

229points

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Jennifer lackey 3 years ago

DAAAAMMNNNN. ..... YOU ARE LOOKING GREAT. I love how u said u were taking matters into ur hands, I wish I wouldve so many years ago.. I'm 62, & not to happy with my life. Pat ur self on the back my friend, GOOD U YOU ..

43points

Me At 25, College Dropout, Living In My Car vs. Me At 33, About To Finish My Phd!

Final score:

227points

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Charlotte 3 years ago

Wow, even your skin color changed and your hair magically grew back.

57points

Maybe Not As Drastic As Others Here, But I Feel Like I’ve Had A Bit Of A Glow Up (2012-Present)

Final score:

205points

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Lilly Rose Poppy 3 years ago

A bit?!? That's a glow up to me! Looking great pal!

40points

As a result, even if this is a positive and celebrated transformation, many people can suffer lasting emotional effects. For example, ugly duckling syndrome can be a reason why so many of us can’t take compliments and see stares from people of the opposite sex as insults.

Moreover, those who have ever seen themselves as ugly ducklings can struggle to realize the power of their natural beauty. Most importantly, people who glowed up later in their lives are now much more likely to judge a book by what’s inside rather than its cover. Appreciation of inner beauty is a beautiful thing that enriches humans in profound ways.

First Picture 19f, Second One 22f, Third One 23f. Farewell To 4~ Years Of Depression And Excess Weight!

Final score:

195points

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Auntriarch 3 years ago

Beautiful, good for you

19points

Wandaluzt 3 years ago

Posted on Reddit. They won't see this.

1point

Mickie Shea 3 years ago

Congrats

2points

Hafida 3 years ago

You are beautiful

1point

CincyReds 3 years ago

Beautiful you!

0points

Ashley Wright 3 years ago

See ya! #depression

0points

1337 3 years ago

Still think you look good on both.. You even look more genuine and personal on the "before" photo.

0points

MikeMaxis 3 years ago

Those glasses would depress anyone.

0points

sharron lynn parsons 3 years ago

It's not easy, you deserve pat on the back, you were hiding, a lot of beauty !!!

0points

Elsie Collins 3 years ago

Gorgeous young woman!!! BRAVO!!!

0points

Lolliegag 3 years ago

Depression is a killer

0points

Teresa Groth 3 years ago

I am so happy for you and I am sure you now love YOURSELF More!👍

0points

Nothanks L. Walk 3 years ago

Someone explain the f to me.... it cannot mean female if all three are, can it?

0points

Colleen Rogers 3 years ago

Now your cheekbones have a chance to shine. Beautiful.

0points

Iva Kazalova 3 years ago

What’s with the f’s? Unless you’re transitioning, listing your sex like that is so aol messenger outdated, it isn’t really a thing anymore

0points

Artist Known As Lisa 3 years ago

I didn't even understand it. Thanks

0points

Martha Meyer 3 years ago

And somehow the depression took the glasses with it went it left.

-3points

Melissa Wong 3 years ago

You seem to have a real issue with people not wearing their glasses/changing to contacts Martha. Calm down, dear.

0points

15 vs. 21

Final score:

187points

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anarkzie 3 years ago

It's like a Hollywood move from the 80's, they take the glasses off and everything changes.

63points

13 vs. 26 I Just Don't Know What To Say

Final score:

168points

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Sarcastic Cow 3 years ago (edited)

You were a cute child back then! Now you´re a woman -that is completely different story.

23points

#10

10 To 20 To 30. Thank Goodness I Found Some Better Glasses & Stopped With The Rawr Hand

Final score:

158points

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Auntriarch 3 years ago

Just save the rawrr hand for special occasions

37points

#11

19 To 23. Therapy And Excersice Certainly Made A Change Mentally And Physically. Still Struggling With Confidence And Selflove But All Good Things Take Time. Slow And Steady

Final score:

154points

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Elvira Kreft 3 years ago

You are beautiful then and now

62points

#12

13 To 29 - Puberty Helped Me Out

Final score:

153points

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Xottel 3 years ago

Disagree. Your handsomeness was quite predictable (judging from that photo).

41points

#13

Dropped 73lbs And Picked Up 65

Final score:

150points

POST

Auntriarch 3 years ago

Good title!

19points

#14

10,18, 29~ A Lot Has Changed Every Eight Years

Final score:

146points

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Bobert Robertson 3 years ago

But 18-29 is 11 years.

17points

#15

16-20 Been Battling With Self Hate And Depression For Years, 2020 Was The Year I Wanted To Look After Myself

Final score:

137points

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Jennifer lackey 3 years ago

Such a big change, you look great !!

19points

#16

When Puberty Hits You Like A Bus…

Final score:

129points

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PjandBolt 3 years ago

Omg she looks like she belongs in a Jane Austen movie

24points

#17

18-28. It’s Been A Long Road

Final score:

128points

POST

A B C 3 years ago

IMO bottom left looks best. The chin is sharper/more pointed (dunno how to say properly in English, any suggestions?), I like that more. I guess that's just personal opinion, but he certainly had a jump in attractiveness due to puberty doing its thing.

17points

#18

12 To 20, A Lot Changed Along The Way, I’m Glad To Be Where I’m At Now

Final score:

124points

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K. Anderson 3 years ago

Wow!!

12points

#19

13-26 Improved My Style Ever So Slightly

Final score:

124points

POST

Laura Dawson 3 years ago

You look like a girl on 90 day fiancé she was Colts second wife. I can’t remember her name but she had an amazing accent & loved cats.

5points

#20

18/19 vs. 21! One Of My Proudest Achievements

Final score:

123points

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Natalia A 3 years ago

You are/were beautiful, irrespective of weight.

21points

#21

(12, 19, 20) I Was Always Self Conscious About How I Looked

Final score:

122points

POST

Jennifer lackey 3 years ago

Love the haircut u have now, it looks great on you.

29points

#22

13 To 30. Middle School Sucked

Final score:

121points

POST

Neil Bidle 3 years ago (edited)

He looked like Zuckerberg still does.

24points

#23

18 To 25

Final score:

120points

POST

Sarcastic Cow 3 years ago (edited)

Left - Oscar Wilde, love it. Right - James Potter - definitely love it.

37points

#24

17//20 I'm Happier And Healthier Now. Can't Believe That Was Me Tho

Final score:

113points

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Incitatus 3 years ago

Darling!

6points

#25

Finally Let The Hair Curl. Did A Lot

Final score:

110points

POST

Niki Norway 3 years ago

Okay, it's been about ten minutes now, I think it's time to stop staring at this picture.

16points

#26

12 And 26 - I Was Pretty Cool Back Then Tho

Final score:

104points

POST

Danieletc 3 years ago

A bit like Olivia WIlde.

37points

Last Week vs. Today

Final score:

103points

POST

Karin Gibson 3 years ago

That beard is awful.

40points

#28

14 To 22.... I'll Never Forget How Much I Thought I Rocked That Bow

Final score:

102points

POST

Jackie Fraser-Easton 3 years ago

You totally did rock it!!

55points

#29

12 - 23 Years - What A Wild Ride!

Final score:

101points

POST

Shine Caramia 3 years ago

I'm pretty sure I know this person in real life

6points

#30

Me At 12 vs. 30

Final score:

91points

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Michael Rubery 3 years ago

What I love is that this young lady grew into her beauty...her face barely changed, but just blossomed!

34points

#31

12 And 15 vs. 32 Years Old. We All Have Potential, Don't Give Up!

Final score:

33points

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Ashley Wright 3 years ago

Bet the now-grown up kids from middle school are thinking, “Wow!” #swan

4points

#32

17 To 19 To 20

Final score:

21points

POST

Susan Green 3 years ago

Very handsome.

2points

#33

My Self-Portrait From 10th Grade Art Class To Me Now At 34. The Self-Portrait Is Actually Spot On

Final score:

21points

POST

#34

16>19, From Short Asian Nerd To Tall Asian Nerd Except Now They Say I Look Like A Yakuza Npc. Weight Loss, Hairstyle Change, Skincare And Puberty I Guess

Final score:

20points

POST

18 vs. 24

Final score:

20points

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Jennifer lackey 3 years ago

Great smile !!

4points

#36

Lost A Bit Of Weight And Gained A Bit Of Confidence From 17 To 19

Final score:

19points

POST

Ocean 3 years ago

OMG I LOVE IT i personally loooooooooooooooooove ur first pic. ITS ADORABLEEEEEEEE

1point

#37

[17-21] Those Glasses Did Not Suit Me

Final score:

17points

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Jennifer lackey 3 years ago

Beautiful eyes!!

11points

#38

Time Really Does Fly [2017 - 2021]

Final score:

17points

POST

Jennifer lackey 3 years ago

U look great, I'll bet if u grew ur hair out a bit and give it a tussle, it would be a good look for you.

4points

#39

Super Weird, Don’t Know Why My Last Post Was Deleted! It’s Me! Ages 14-16 vs. 22 Years Old. I Realise I Look The Same Really Just Slimmer, More Confident And Less Awkward Poses. Very Late Bloomer

Final score:

15points

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Janine B. 3 years ago

I wouldn't agree about the less awkward poses though. :)

20points

I'm a visual editor at Bored Panda. I kickstart my day with a mug of coffee bigger than my head, ready to tackle Photoshop. I navigate through the digital jungle with finesse, fueled by bamboo breaks and caffeine kicks. When the workday winds down, you might catch me devouring bamboo snacks while binging on the latest TV show, gaming or I could be out in nature, soaking up the tranquility and communing with my inner panda.

Read less »

Liucija Adomaite is a creative mind with years of experience in copywriting. She has a dynamic set of experiences from advertising, academia, and journalism. This time, she has set out on a journey to investigate the ways in which we communicate ideas on a large scale. Her current mission is to find a magic formula for how to make ideas, news, and other such things spread like a virus.

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What do you think ?

POST

Lola 3 years ago

Normal child to adult pictures don’t belong here.

34points

1337 3 years ago

Exactly. Let kids be kids. We have enough of pressure down to young ages..

4points

COCO puff 3 years ago

why are people calling themselves "ugly ducklings" "ugly swans" "ugly" in general, its such a lack of empowerment. We are beautiful in every photo, in every stage of our lives. Come on people stop with the self-shaming!

31points

Ozacoter 3 years ago

I agree. These posts only contribute to the general body shaming and preassure that people feel all the time. Its telling you that you are not good enough. That you are fat, not muscular, nor pretty enough. That you need x hair cut or style, you need makeup or surgery, you need expensive clothes.

15points

Ueda 3 years ago

It's especially sad as it implies that they consider others looking like their past selves as ugly. It's not self-shaming, it's just shaming. Way to fall right into the trap they're so convinced they escaped from.

2points

Janine B. 3 years ago

Thank you.

1point

JessRS 3 years ago

Yeah, you obviously don't understand how self-esteem and self-perception work.

0points

Mike Rodrick 3 years ago

I totally agree. The term "ugly ducklings" can serve as a negative connotation to those lacking in self esteem because of their possiby distorted view of themselves & reinforcement of the societal stupidity, that appearance determines your social status. Teens have enough problems finding their way thru life without having the judgment about their appearance, which is 90% of their measure of self-esteem lowered by articles like this. Although well intentioned, & valuing the idea of self improvement, could still affect those who consider themselves unattractive, & even worse, mocked by those considered to be the beautiful people, can have devastating outcomes. Having said that takes nothing away from the work those in the article have accomplished in transforming themselves. I'm merely pointing out that the majority may not react in such a positive manner.

0points

Ben Smith 3 years ago

Yeah, they're definitely not though. Good for them for their glow ups! Not sure why you think it's ok to diminish their accomplishments

-2points

Iva Kazalova 3 years ago

No, let’s get real here, puberty is a shitty awkward phase and I myself am not afraid to admit i looked like a spotty, lumpy nerd and a lot of people here looked less than flattering, let’s not kid ourselves, it’s called a glow up because these people look way better now

-2points

Kayla J 3 years ago

I always feel some sort of way when I read these as "Ugly Ducklings" and realize I never had one of these "glow ups".

18points

Kristen Bellefeuille 2 years ago

Agreed, I feel I look just as awkward now aa when I was a kid, I have lost a bit of weight since then due to health issues but nothing this drastic

0points

Indra Servo 3 years ago

Moral of the story : "pretty people with bad haircut became pretty people with good haircut after visiting hairdresser"

11points

Ozacoter 3 years ago

And after getting tons of makeup, surgery (like the guy with hair implants) and expensive clothing

4points

Annamagelic 3 years ago

Just about everyone goes through an awkward adolescent phase. Most of these before photos were just perfectly normal kids. You are not suposed to look like an adult at 14.

9points

Zedrapazia 3 years ago

None of these people was ugly before their "glow up". They are all fine the way they were.

8points

Natalia A 3 years ago

It says a lot about our society that we praise weight loss as much as we do, and that we consider people to be ugly because they're overweight.

7points

Not Proud British 3 years ago

I stopped looking halfway through. Some of these posts were absolutely fine beforehand and I felt by looking I was encouraging them to keep losing weight, keep starving themselves, keep getting work done. Some of those who have lost weight did not need to lose weight and now look far too skinny. I think these kinds of posts encourage people to think they need to change how they look to fit in. There is an unhealthy balance going on here and I would urge Bored Panda not to publish these posts.

6points

manowce 3 years ago

almost all of these are not a "puberty hit me" or "duckling into a swan" thing. they are "I lost a lot of weight" thing.

3points

Rita Shapiro 3 years ago

The trope here is mildly disturbing. "Making the outside match the inside".... as if someone who can't afford laser eye surgery or chin liposuction, or who doesn't have the luxury of many hours to spend pumping iron, must just be "ugly" on the inside (or at least internally unattractive) because they wear glasses or don't have a six pack or whatever. Our value and beauty aren't derived from cosmetic attributes, but you wouldn't know this given these examples.

2points

jaislndgrl 3 years ago

When are we going to get past the point of equating fat with ugly. Aargh, it's NOT the same thing. This just needs to be taken down. Being fat does not mean you're ugly. It just means you're FAT!! GD

2points

Doctor Strange 3 years ago

Ah yes, the story of the ugly duckling, which teaches us that it doesn't matter if you aren't attractive now, as long as you become attractive later.

2points

Martha Meyer 3 years ago

Too many people in this list magically stopped needing glasses.

2points

Serbob 3 years ago

Contact lenses exist.

0points

Luna Ralphson 3 years ago

I wish puberty hit me in a good way like these people

2points

Lola 3 years ago

Some of them just want to advertise themselves.

3points

Leung Lok 3 years ago

Behold!! ugly swan here

2points

Hollar Cut 3 years ago

Let us continue to be persuaded that we are only lovable when we are different. Let us continue to be persuaded that it is not enough to be yourself. Let us continue to be persuaded that we will only be accepted if we have muscles, a beautiful complexion and a sexy buttocks. Let us continue to persuade ourselves that the soul, the inner life, the beauty of the spirit and the ability to see the beauty of the world do not matter. There's a simple reason why it doesn't really matter: it can't be marketed. Inner development has no market. It cannot be turned into money. It takes the courage and the clarity to accept yourself and not only see the beauty on the outside. The term "ugly ducklings" are marketing strategies and, in the worst case, are repeated by people who have not yet come to themselves. Do not let that confuse you. Be yourself. You don't need a ticket for this life. You have had it since you were born. In this sense: for the true, for the good, and for the really beautiful!

1point

RadiatorAnkleSpider 3 years ago

This post is toxic… Anyone can look ugly one day and a model the next.

1point

ivan bolitekurac 3 years ago

So weight loss,makeup,better clothes,better pictures,filters,more muscles and a more adult look helps?This must be the discovery of the century...

1point

New Prometheus 3 years ago

Childish to look at oneself at 12 and 13 and compare with an adult in their 20s and 30s. Everybody looks awkward as teens/tweens. What, are they supposed to look like trendy adults now?

1point

a_dork 3 years ago

This is more of a testament to the power of hairstyling and makeup.

1point

Auntriarch 3 years ago

I found the change from smiling to duckface pouting rather distasteful. And some of them, well the A-word

1point

Sarah Kitsune 3 years ago

🤷🏻‍♀️ They all look fine to me, before AND after.

0points

Draxt Sclounce 3 years ago

I'm sorry but why is this title not considered hate speech?

0points

Joanne Hudson 3 years ago

No one under 18 should be allowed to look in a mirror.

0points

Anya Beboop 3 years ago

I was lucky to have a glow up and then glow down lol

0points

Anna McHugh 3 years ago

How come most of these are about people losing weight, when literally right up the page on Bored Panda is another article about a girl talking about how mean everyone is to her because she's lost the 'pretty privilege' for gaining some weight?

0points

WorldNeedsReboot 3 years ago

Amazing what too much weight does to your mental and physical well being...

0points

Rickster 3 years ago

A lot of these seem like a celebration of mediocrity.

0points

kjorn 3 years ago

basically you are an ugly duckling when you're overweight. this is what this post demonstrated. don't try to say overweight people are beautiful after that. people could at least be honest about that. I'm honest about that and i'm overweight.

-3points

POST

Lola 3 years ago

Normal child to adult pictures don’t belong here.

34points

1337 3 years ago

Exactly. Let kids be kids. We have enough of pressure down to young ages..

4points

COCO puff 3 years ago

31points

Ozacoter 3 years ago

15points

Ueda 3 years ago

2points

Janine B. 3 years ago

Thank you.

1point

JessRS 3 years ago

Yeah, you obviously don't understand how self-esteem and self-perception work.

0points

Mike Rodrick 3 years ago

0points

Ben Smith 3 years ago

Yeah, they're definitely not though. Good for them for their glow ups! Not sure why you think it's ok to diminish their accomplishments

-2points

Iva Kazalova 3 years ago

-2points

Kayla J 3 years ago

I always feel some sort of way when I read these as "Ugly Ducklings" and realize I never had one of these "glow ups".

18points

Kristen Bellefeuille 2 years ago

Agreed, I feel I look just as awkward now aa when I was a kid, I have lost a bit of weight since then due to health issues but nothing this drastic

0points

Indra Servo 3 years ago

Moral of the story : "pretty people with bad haircut became pretty people with good haircut after visiting hairdresser"

11points

Ozacoter 3 years ago

And after getting tons of makeup, surgery (like the guy with hair implants) and expensive clothing

4points

Annamagelic 3 years ago

Just about everyone goes through an awkward adolescent phase. Most of these before photos were just perfectly normal kids. You are not suposed to look like an adult at 14.

9points

Zedrapazia 3 years ago

None of these people was ugly before their "glow up". They are all fine the way they were.

8points

Natalia A 3 years ago

It says a lot about our society that we praise weight loss as much as we do, and that we consider people to be ugly because they're overweight.

7points

Not Proud British 3 years ago

6points

manowce 3 years ago

almost all of these are not a "puberty hit me" or "duckling into a swan" thing. they are "I lost a lot of weight" thing.

3points

Rita Shapiro 3 years ago

2points

jaislndgrl 3 years ago

When are we going to get past the point of equating fat with ugly. Aargh, it's NOT the same thing. This just needs to be taken down. Being fat does not mean you're ugly. It just means you're FAT!! GD

2points

Doctor Strange 3 years ago

Ah yes, the story of the ugly duckling, which teaches us that it doesn't matter if you aren't attractive now, as long as you become attractive later.

2points

Martha Meyer 3 years ago

Too many people in this list magically stopped needing glasses.

2points

Serbob 3 years ago

Contact lenses exist.

0points

Luna Ralphson 3 years ago

I wish puberty hit me in a good way like these people

2points

Lola 3 years ago

Some of them just want to advertise themselves.

3points