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50 People Reveal Transformations That Changed Their Lives Completely
Interview With Expert
Everyone’s glow-up journey is different. For some, it’s sparked by a health scare, a breakup, or just the desire for a fresh start. For others, it’s inspired by seeing motivational transformations online—yes, those before-and-after photos really can light a fire. The reasons may vary, but the importance of taking that first step toward change is universal.
Today, we’ve rounded up some of the best glow-up photos from r/mademesmile, where people proudly share their transformations. From physical changes to emotional growth, these stories show that with determination, self-love, and a little patience, anyone can rewrite their own story. Keep scrolling to see the incredible journeys people have taken and get inspired to start or continue your own transformation.
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#1
Two Years Ago We Rescued The Dirtiest, Most Diseased And Starving Tripod Dog. Today He Is Gorgeous
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#2
Two Photos Taken An Hour Apart... Before And After Adoption
#3
(Oc) I Recently Lost 170 Pounds. Took Me Two In A Half Years
Ariom Dahl 1 year ago
Well done! That must have taken considerable determination and self will.
#4
(Oc) I Was Petting Kittens At The Park When One Tried To Climb My Leg. Second Photo Is Her Now. 🐱
Ariom Dahl 1 year ago
I AM coming home with you and you ARE going to be my human! (And so glad her determination paid off. Well done.)
#6
Around A Year Between These Photos. It Took Months In A Treatment Center, Three Relapses And Two More Near Death Experiences But I’ve Been Recovering From Anorexia On My Own
geraldrboyle@aol.com 1 year ago
Thank goodness you have recovered. What a beautiful and kind face.
#7
1 Year Sober From Alcohol. I Never Thought I’d Be Able To Post This. But Here It Is! Life Isn’t Perfect, But Holy S**t Is It So Much Better!
#8
Recently Celebrated Her 2nd Gotcha Day. This Glow Up Makes Me Smile. She Wasn't Supposed To Live More Than 2 Months Max And Is Now Over 2 Years Old!
#9
(Oc) My Stray Dog Perseus Who I Adopted Because Otherwise She Would Have Been Euthanized
#10
After Years Of Tooth Pain And Hiding My Smile, I Got Dentures! They Literally Mademesmile!
#11
Shiva’s Glow Up Before And After Rescue. She Is So Beautiful! 💕
#13
From The Day I Knew I Had To Leave To Official Divorce Day!
#14
[oc] 16 Yo Eggs Before And After A Little Love
#15
I Lost Weight! I’ve Lost 260 Lbs Throughout My Journey
#16
Pictures Of A Dogs Growth Before And After His Owner Returns From Deployment
#17
[oc] 6 Weeks Of Friendship, Food And Some Meds. I Have Never Been More Happy
#18
Update: Before And After 9 And A Half Years Clean From Substances
#20
4.5 Years On Estrogen And I Could Never Be Happier
#21
Before And After Picture Of Dental Patient With New Set Of Teeth
#22
From Homeless And Unemployed (26) To Surgical Assistant (40)
Bartlet for world domination 1 year ago
Isn't this the guy who stumbled upon open enrollment and was talked into participating when he was just looking to charge his phone?
#23
Learning To Take Care Of Myself
#24
Its Not Just A Phase, Mom
#26
My Wife's Rehab Photo vs. Today - 11 Years, 3 Months Sober
#27
Progress From Adoption Day, To Current Day (8 Month Mark)!
#28
I’ve Always Been Ashamed Of My Teeth, And For Our 7th Anniversary My Wife Completely Changed My Life
#29
This Lady’s Before And After Limb Lengthening 💙
#31
After Plateauing A Bit, I Finally Lost 200 Pounds!
#32
Today I’m Four Year Sober From Alcohol! (Timelapse)
#33
Was Gifted The Gift Of Smile And Mental Health Thru Donated Dental Services Of Michigan
Laserleader 1 year ago
I have a lifelong friend that I watched go through d***s and rotted her teeth out, she finally got sober, had all her teeth pulled, and got on mental health program. She stopped drinking and actually looks healthy and has a lovely smile just like this lady.
#34
My BFF Sent Me These Glow Up Photos Of Her Ducks, Janet And Samuel L. Quackson, And I Had To Share Them With You
#36
[oc] Before And After Weightloss
#37
(Oc) I Beat Second Stage Obesity, Reversed My Pre-Diabetes, And Lost 100 Lb!
#38
Happy Fat Tuesday! Three Years And 90lbs Between Photos. Slow And Steady!
#40
Two Years Ago, I Watched My Brothers Graduate. Yesterday, They Watched Me. They Wanted To Coordinate Colors And Everything :)
#41
Today I’m 4 Months Sober! Every Day I Wake Up And I’m Grateful That I Never Have To Be That Sick Again
#42
After Years Of Joking That I Was Working On My "Before" Picture, As My Weight And Health Spiralled, I Finally Used 2020 To Go Sober And Become My Very Own "After"!
#43
Stormy’s Glow Up
#44
From First Time Trying On Scrubs, To Going To Take My Last Exam. Beating Mental Illness And Taking Care Of My Body With Love
#46
If We're Sharing Glow UPS Today, 220 > 170 With Notable Muscle Gain
Bartlet for world domination 1 year ago
I thought Wow, I'd never look that good @170 lbs, she must be 6'6", and then I saw the first pic again.
#47
I Lost Over 20 Kilos And Got My Health Back After An Horrible Relationship !
#48
Six Months Without A Drink! Still Sad And Depressed And Irritable - But At Least I Can Feel My Feelings Clearly Now!
#49
From Mugshot (2017) To Beauty Shot (2021). 8 Months Sober & Turned 25 Today! Never Thought I Could Be This Happy
#50
Thought You Guys Might Like The Glow Up. 1 Week To 1 Year Old. These Three Are The Best Cats Ever. Zero (Black And White Tabby), Tabitha (Brown And White Tabby), And Smokey (Grey Tabby)
#52
5 Years Later... Same Wall, Same Person, Much More Flair. I Couldn’t Be Happier With How Far I’ve Come
#53
I Started Working Out And I Feel Good, Not Just A 120lb Twig Anymore
#54
Before And After I Got Clean
#55
Before; In 2012 As A Substance User And After; 2018 As A College Graduate (Major In Chemistry). You Can Do It!
#56
I’m Below 140 Pounds For The First Time Since 5 Years Ago, And I’ve Never Thought I’d See This Progress In My Life. I’ve Never Felt Happier With Myself :))
#58
Today Is My Dad’s One Year Anniversary From Weight Loss Surgery. Depending On The Starting Line, He Lost 85-100 Lbs. Today Is His Day
#59
Before And After.. My Ex Took My Kids Away 6 Yrs Ago.. I Let Myself Go
lynn christmas 6 months ago
So sorry to hear this. Hope you've seen them since, well done for getting your self respect back
#60
Was Browsing My Gallery. I Went From Maui To This. Im A Little Proud. 2 Year Difference
#61
First Day Of University vs. Last Day Of University
#62
Geoff Ramsey Before And After Going Sober. I’m Glad To See He’s Pulled Himself Together After The Divorce
#63
Finally Proud Of Myself! I Lost 20 Kg In Less Than A Year (Right Pic Sept. '20 - Left Pic Jul. '21) And I Feel Amazing
#65
From Prom To Our Wedding Day, The Best Glow Up. 11 Amazing Years And A Beautiful Baby Boy With This Guy
#67
(Oc) I Lost 35 Pounds, I Am Very Proud Of Myself. (First Pic Is After And Second Is Before!)
#70
I Lost 85 Pounds (38.5 Kgs) In 11 Months! From 210 - 125lb (95.2 - 56.6 Kgs) [oc]
#71
(Oc) Just A Glow Up From Elementary School To H**h School :) (I’m From Jenison And The 2nd Picture Is When We Won Regionals In 2022)
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What do you think ?
Ariom Dahl 1 year ago
My fingers played tricks on me. I wanted to click on both mental health recovery and personal milestones like sobriety or adoption. Always good to see people improving their lives with help from others and also their own efforts and determination.
Vonny 1 year ago
Where are the BP monitors and/ or censors for the comment sections? Shame on BP for allowing nasty posts to be posted and left. Shame on posters who think spewing hate is acceptable.
Ariom Dahl 1 year ago
My fingers played tricks on me. I wanted to click on both mental health recovery and personal milestones like sobriety or adoption. Always good to see people improving their lives with help from others and also their own efforts and determination.
Vonny 1 year ago
Where are the BP monitors and/ or censors for the comment sections? Shame on BP for allowing nasty posts to be posted and left. Shame on posters who think spewing hate is acceptable.
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