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The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) reported that nearly 1 in 3 US adults are overweight. More than 2 in 5 adults have obesity. Meanwhile, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost half (49.1 percent) of adults have made an effort to lose weight.

If you have been struggling with weight and its management, you know how frustrating the journey can be. For many people, it feels like a path where one step forward is two steps backwards. And don’t even mention these articles with "10 tricks" that will help bust your belly fat or promises about magic diet pills and potions. Anyone who’s been there seriously will tell you it's a lie.

The real challenge of weight loss lies within yourself. The people who have successfully done it showcased an incredible inner strength and the most powerful will one can imagine.

So to celebrate them for changing their lives and showing us all that everything’s possible, we wrapped up a selection of the most astonishing before and after weight loss pics. After you’re done, more inspiration awaits here and here.

#1

From 534 Lbs To 214 Lbs In 4 Years

From 534 Lbs To 214 Lbs In 4 Years

I think this picture accurately depicts that change takes time. My nephew is a good example in this picture. He didn’t wake up one morning and grow into the size he is now. It took time. You are not going to just wake up at your goal, it’s gonna take time. Embrace it.

dusty_lost_300lbs Report

#2

In Who Cares News I’ve Lost 183 Pounds Over The Last 18 Months So That’s Cool I Guess

In Who Cares News I’ve Lost 183 Pounds Over The Last 18 Months So That’s Cool I Guess

MattMakesMeSick Report

#3

Lost 200 Pounds During Covid. Today I Completed A Half Marathon

Lost 200 Pounds During Covid. Today I Completed A Half Marathon

FatherVic Report

To find out more about living with and battling eating disorders, a while ago, Bored Panda reached out to Nuno, the UKAT Head of Treatment, who shared some very useful insights into the complex mind of a person with an eating disorder. According to Nuno, eating disorders can manifest in a variety of different ways for different people.

"For some, it is about controlling or limiting food, but for others, it is to consume large amounts of food. This—coupled with a sedentary lifestyle—leads to weight gain, which has mood-altering side effects like depression," Nuno told us.

#4

These Pictures Were Taken At The Same Restaurant, But About 2 Years Apart. He’s Lost 90 Lbs And I’ve Lost 135 Lbs

These Pictures Were Taken At The Same Restaurant, But About 2 Years Apart. He’s Lost 90 Lbs And I’ve Lost 135 Lbs

We wanted to be healthy so we could grow old gracefully together, and be around as long as possible for our kids. So grateful for this journey with my best friend.

aworsh Report

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#5

I've Been Over 220 Pounds Since 5th Grade. I Started IF In January 2020 And For The First Time In My Life, I Weigh 160

I've Been Over 220 Pounds Since 5th Grade. I Started IF In January 2020 And For The First Time In My Life, I Weigh 160

mrsjhev1 Report

#6

350 Lbs To 190 Lbs. Maintaining, No Skin Removal As Of Yet. These Are My Old Favorite Pants

350 Lbs To 190 Lbs. Maintaining, No Skin Removal As Of Yet. These Are My Old Favorite Pants

virgggo Report

In order to understand the brain with an eating disorder, it’s important to recognize the fact that there is an incredibly powerful link between food and mood. "It can often overcome a person's everyday life, in the same way that an unhealthy relationship with drugs or alcohol can, and just like an addiction to substances, the only way out is to address and treat the root cause of the problem," he told my colleague Jonas previously.

Nuno argues that one and probably the best way to alter the negative link between 'food and mood' is to exercise. “Exercising releases endorphins which trigger a positive feeling in the brain and body. Finding any way to move your body if you're struggling with weight and your mental health will bring huge advantages," he explained.

#7

The One Where I Felt Unworthy vs. The One Where I Started Loving Myself

The One Where I Felt Unworthy vs. The One Where I Started Loving Myself

_dietcokehead_ Report

#8

The Pic On The Left Was Exactly 3 Years Ago. When I Was The Best Man At My Buddy’s Wedding. I Was Close To 600 Lbs. Around 230 Lbs Now

The Pic On The Left Was Exactly 3 Years Ago. When I Was The Best Man At My Buddy’s Wedding. I Was Close To 600 Lbs. Around 230 Lbs Now

Rickle37 Report

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#9

From 190 To 129 Lbs. I Used To Be Afraid Of Having Short Hair Because Of The Weight In My Face. Today, I Said Goodbye To The Old Me And Embraced My New Life

From 190 To 129 Lbs. I Used To Be Afraid Of Having Short Hair Because Of The Weight In My Face. Today, I Said Goodbye To The Old Me And Embraced My New Life

karlbarxalot Report

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For some people, food becomes much more than its initial purpose of giving us the energy we need to do daily activities. For some, food becomes an all-consuming obsession. A significant body of research found that food addiction involves the same areas of the brain as drug addiction. According to Kris Gunnars, a nutrition expert and founder of Authority Nutrition, the same neurotransmitters are involved, and many of the symptoms are identical.

#10

445+ To 225 Pounds. 10 More Pounds For My Goal Weight. 6 Year Journey

445+ To 225 Pounds. 10 More Pounds For My Goal Weight. 6 Year Journey

JZsoldje Report

#11

I’m Down 100 Pounds

I’m Down 100 Pounds

dlv1186 Report

#12

350 Lbs To 180 Lbs. Loose Skin Is Hard And The Journey Hasn’t Been Easy But I’m Living In Ways I Couldn’t Before. Healthier And Stronger

350 Lbs To 180 Lbs. Loose Skin Is Hard And The Journey Hasn’t Been Easy But I’m Living In Ways I Couldn’t Before. Healthier And Stronger

virgggo Report

The research has shown that processed junk foods have a powerful effect on the reward centers of the brain. These effects are caused by brain neurotransmitters like dopamine. The most addiction-prone foods include typical junk foods like candy, sugary soda, and high-fat fried foods.

What’s interesting to note is that researchers agree that food addiction is not caused by a lack of willpower, but they believe it is caused by a dopamine signal that affects the biochemistry of the brain.

#13

Started From 275 Lbs, Now It's 198 Lbs. 77 Lbs Lost. 43-Year-Old To 53-Year-Old - The Decade I Saved My Life

Started From 275 Lbs, Now It's 198 Lbs. 77 Lbs Lost. 43-Year-Old To 53-Year-Old - The Decade I Saved My Life

NedCOMO Report

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#14

Lost 200 Pounds In A Year. Just Did The 20:4 Fast And Walked ~5km Every Day (360 Lbs To 160 Lbs)

Lost 200 Pounds In A Year. Just Did The 20:4 Fast And Walked ~5km Every Day (360 Lbs To 160 Lbs)

FoxyRadical2 Report

#15

From 98 Kg To 71 Kg I Lost In 2.5 Years. Best Thing I Did With Myself

From 98 Kg To 71 Kg I Lost In 2.5 Years. Best Thing I Did With Myself

ig-pryshgr Report

#16

Sitting On The Dock Losing Weight

Sitting On The Dock Losing Weight

Thehitmonliam Report

#17

235 Lbs To 120 Lbs. A Little Over A Year Of Progress - I Don’t Even Recognize Myself Sometimes

235 Lbs To 120 Lbs. A Little Over A Year Of Progress - I Don’t Even Recognize Myself Sometimes

MarshmallowMorgasaur Report

#18

251 Lbs To 186 Lbs Weight Loss Progress

251 Lbs To 186 Lbs Weight Loss Progress

Sag_Alexis Report

#19

425 Lbs To 150 Lbs. 3 Years Between Pictures. Summer Always Makes Me Think About How Far I’ve Come

425 Lbs To 150 Lbs. 3 Years Between Pictures. Summer Always Makes Me Think About How Far I’ve Come

erikabeebee Report

#20

140 Lbs Lost And 8 months Of HRT Made Me Into Myself For The First Time

140 Lbs Lost And 8 months Of HRT Made Me Into Myself For The First Time

Scion0442 Report

#21

I Don't Have Anyone To Celebrate With But I Lost 50+ Lbs In The Last Year

I Don't Have Anyone To Celebrate With But I Lost 50+ Lbs In The Last Year

thwackity Report

#23

Down 175 Lbs From Feb 2019 Using IF, Keto. Maintaining Since Summer 2020 But Body Composition Continues To Change

Down 175 Lbs From Feb 2019 Using IF, Keto. Maintaining Since Summer 2020 But Body Composition Continues To Change

Wobbiesaurus Report

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#24

Waited Almost 2 Years For This Moment. I Am Literally Half The Person I Once Was; 330 Lbs To 165 Lbs. Goals Crushed, Time For More

Waited Almost 2 Years For This Moment. I Am Literally Half The Person I Once Was; 330 Lbs To 165 Lbs. Goals Crushed, Time For More

unholyg0at Report

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Will Cross
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At 1st I thought he had the skin removal surgery and those were the staples and scars on his front side. It really did look like that at 1st then I zoomed in and was pleasantly surprised to see a tree tattoo.

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#25

Everyone Else Has Been Sharing Their Progress So Here’s Mine. I Went From 306 Pounds (139 Kg) In March 2020 To 140 Pounds (63.5 Kg) Today

Everyone Else Has Been Sharing Their Progress So Here’s Mine. I Went From 306 Pounds (139 Kg) In March 2020 To 140 Pounds (63.5 Kg) Today

Agreenleaf5 Report

#26

410 Lbs To 202 Lbs, Lost 208 Lbs In 2,5 Years. Mission Accomplished

410 Lbs To 202 Lbs, Lost 208 Lbs In 2,5 Years. Mission Accomplished

DoubleBruinNate Report

#27

After 10 Years On This Journey, I Finally Made It To My Goal Of 100 Lbs Lost

After 10 Years On This Journey, I Finally Made It To My Goal Of 100 Lbs Lost

32F, 5'3", 214 > 114.

digitalambie Report

#28

Officially 100 Lbs Down From My Highest Weight As Of Today. September 2020. April 2021. August 2021

Officially 100 Lbs Down From My Highest Weight As Of Today. September 2020. April 2021. August 2021

blamcomacandcheese Report

#30

My Wife's Incredible Weight Loss Journey, Words Cannot Possibly Describe How Proud I Am Of Her

My Wife's Incredible Weight Loss Journey, Words Cannot Possibly Describe How Proud I Am Of Her

rjbriggs26 Report

#31

100 Lbs Gone! 270 Lbs To 165 Lbs. I Got Tired Of Being The Fat Little Sister

100 Lbs Gone! 270 Lbs To 165 Lbs. I Got Tired Of Being The Fat Little Sister

Hazorb33 Report

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Kim Lorton
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hope your family appreciates that you no longer accept that family job! You deserve better, and you got it! Congratulations!

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Alice Landers
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful I wanted to comment on your "ugly sister " comment BUT if that's what motivated you WORKS for me ;)

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#32

Lost 163 Lbs Throwing Hay Bales, Pulling Frozen Pallets Every Day For 15 Miles, Working At A Sawmill, And Shoveling Snow. If You Wanna Lose Weight, Get A Physical Job

Lost 163 Lbs Throwing Hay Bales, Pulling Frozen Pallets Every Day For 15 Miles, Working At A Sawmill, And Shoveling Snow. If You Wanna Lose Weight, Get A Physical Job

CapTainNipSac Report

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Anastasia Monich
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For real though! I can 100% attest to that. Working at an Amazon warehouse, all I did was make myself eat according to what my Fitbit and MyFitnessPal app were saying I had to eat in order to maintain a 2 lb weight loss a week. It turned out to be close to over 2200 calories on workdays. And as a 5'5" 24 year old woman. It got to the point that I just physically was not hungry enough to even try to eat that much (I'd be stuffing myself beyond full). Now from Feb 4th this year to today, I have lost close to 30 lb (210-181 lb). Only 30 more to go!

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#33

After Almost Exactly 1 And A Half Years I Have Lost 150 Lbs And I Couldn't Be Happier. I Still Have A Bit To Go Before I Get To Where I Want To Be

After Almost Exactly 1 And A Half Years I Have Lost 150 Lbs And I Couldn't Be Happier. I Still Have A Bit To Go Before I Get To Where I Want To Be

EndlessColor Report

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#34

230 Lbs Gone Without Surgery

230 Lbs Gone Without Surgery

395 lbs>165 lbs=230 lbs. 38F, 5'4.

famaya0511 Report

#35

I Lost Weight! I’ve Lost 260 Lbs Throughout My Journey

I Lost Weight! I’ve Lost 260 Lbs Throughout My Journey

fatherkriss Report

#36

I've Lost The Average American Male In Weight! Highest Weight 527 Lbs In August 2020. 327 Lbs Today

I've Lost The Average American Male In Weight! Highest Weight 527 Lbs In August 2020. 327 Lbs Today

RateNXS Report

#37

(290 To 165, Lost 125 Lbs In 26 Months) "Calories In, Calories Out" Based Diet. Slow And Steady And Now Maintenance Mode

(290 To 165, Lost 125 Lbs In 26 Months) "Calories In, Calories Out" Based Diet. Slow And Steady And Now Maintenance Mode

solo2070 Report

#38

Feeling Incredibly Proud Of How Far I’ve Come And Looking Forward To Continuing This Fitness Journey

Feeling Incredibly Proud Of How Far I’ve Come And Looking Forward To Continuing This Fitness Journey

202lbs/92kg -> 125lbs/57kg = 77lbs/35kg lost. 24F, 5’0.

RevolutionaryRiver7 Report

#39

From Aug 20 With 296 Lbs To March 27 With 210. Starting Weight Was 330, December 2019

From Aug 20 With 296 Lbs To March 27 With 210. Starting Weight Was 330, December 2019

Started dieting back in August and am down almost 90 pounds since, 120 since my max weight. I do 16:8 IF, eat 1500 kCal, lift 5 days a week, and jog 3 days a week!

IOnlyFavoriteAesthetics Report

#40

From 195 Lbs To 130 Lbs. Lost 65 Lbs. Loving That Post-Break Up Weight Loss

From 195 Lbs To 130 Lbs. Lost 65 Lbs. Loving That Post-Break Up Weight Loss

makalo410 Report

#41

Never Thought I Would Look Forward To Stepping On The Scale And I Never Thought I Had A Jawline Until Now. Yay IF

Never Thought I Would Look Forward To Stepping On The Scale And I Never Thought I Had A Jawline Until Now. Yay IF

SponsoredbyRanch Report

#42

From 260 Lbs To 167 Lbs. Motivation Is What Got Me Started. Discipline Is What Kept Me On Track

From 260 Lbs To 167 Lbs. Motivation Is What Got Me Started. Discipline Is What Kept Me On Track

ShogunRx8 Report

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#44

How 2021 Started vs. How It's Going

How 2021 Started vs. How It's Going

myanusisbleeding1991 Report

#45

(290 To 165, Lost 125 Lbs Overall) These Are My Pre And Post Pandemic Work Badge Photos

(290 To 165, Lost 125 Lbs Overall) These Are My Pre And Post Pandemic Work Badge Photos

kikimageecm Report

#46

Start Weight 325 Lbs, Current Weight 235, Goal Weight 190. This Is The Best Thing I’ve Ever Done For Myself

Start Weight 325 Lbs, Current Weight 235, Goal Weight 190. This Is The Best Thing I’ve Ever Done For Myself

Ashwasherexo Report

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pink_panda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"This Is The Best Thing I’ve Ever Done For Myself." So inspiring!

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#47

222 Lbs > 132 Lbs = 90 Lbs, 13 Months. 57F, 5'5"

222 Lbs > 132 Lbs = 90 Lbs, 13 Months. 57F, 5'5"

Brockels Report

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Cathleen Cummings
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OP, how did you do this? I'm finding weight loss post-menopause to be darn near impossible!

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#48

From 230 Lbs To 148 Lbs. I Lost 82 Lbs. Maintained For Two Years. Getting My Loose Skin Removal Surgery In Two Months As An Early 30th Birthday Gift To Myself

From 230 Lbs To 148 Lbs. I Lost 82 Lbs. Maintained For Two Years. Getting My Loose Skin Removal Surgery In Two Months As An Early 30th Birthday Gift To Myself

compscilady Report

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Lou Cam
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well done, you look fantastic without the surgery but it is what you want then go for it.

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#50

Celebrating 50 Pounds Lost! Most Days I Am Doing OMAD, But I Don't Sweat It If I Happen To Eat A Second Or Even Third Meal. Another 40-50 To Go For Next Year

Celebrating 50 Pounds Lost! Most Days I Am Doing OMAD, But I Don't Sweat It If I Happen To Eat A Second Or Even Third Meal. Another 40-50 To Go For Next Year

IF is honestly the easiest way I've found to lose weight - and I get to be lazy and cook less, seriously a win-win.

HelenOfChoy Report

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Ki Li
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm guessing OMaD is one meal a day? Is that healthy as a lifestyle or is it just for quick weight loss and then move into a full time regimine?

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Note: this post originally had 105 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.