(CW: Weight loss, weight gain, body image, dieting.)

WITH THE MONTH that it is, there’s been a lot of chatter on the topic of self-improvement, which seems intrinsically tied to weight loss for some. 

Come New Year’s, a frequently-made resolution is to join a gym, with the idea of losing weight. For a long time time, weight loss has been provided as the ultimate sign of personal progress among communities, particularly for women. With social media usage at an all time high, it’s only exacerbated the issue.

If weight loss is your goal, great! But that’s the thing – goals are very personal things, and by and large, what’s a priority for you isn’t going to be for the next person. There is an issue with how before-and-after pictures and the testimonials that often come with them tap into an ideology that their bodies are the ultimate problem.

Early last year, WW (formerly Weight Watchers), announced that it wouldn’t be using before-and-afters as part of its rebrand, calling it a move to promote weight loss as “a journey of health, with no beginning, middle or end”. Coming from a body like WW, who has previously been condemned for the way it deals with body image and weight loss, surely this speaks volumes?

That’s the argument from the body positivity movement, but what about the other side? Many would argue that ‘before-and-after’ photos aren’t a stick with which people should beat themselves with; rather, as a means to stay motivated and inspired. For some, before-and-afters can help you visualise your own goal. 

So, what do you reckon? Are before-and-after weight loss pictures harmful? Or are they grand?

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