Why this woman’s incredibly honest weight loss picture is important

Simone Anderson underwent a radical physical transformation this past year. As Buzzfeed reports, between last summer and now, Anderson has lost 189 pounds as a result of a change in diet, a regular exercise regimen, and weight-loss surgery.

Throughout her transformation, Anderson has gained tens of thousands of social media followers. Last week, Anderson posted a picture of herself from last summer alongside a picture of herself from this summer.

“I can’t even begin to explain in words what this accomplishment feels like…proud doesn’t even begin to describe this feeling!” she told her followers in the caption of the post.

The response on social media was by and large positive, lots of “You look amazing/fabulous/healthy and strong”‘s, congratulations and best wishes all around. However, there were commenters that did not believe that the woman on the right was the same woman as the one on the left, and accused Anderson of lying about her weight loss.

Of course, Anderson had the truth on her side, and so she posted another picture to prove it.

In the caption, she explained that “…every single comment that called me out for being fake and a liar really bothered me far more than it should. I think it’s because it took hours of crying and debating whether to share my story online and for others to see, posting the first picture online along with my weight for the world to see what the hardest thing I have ever done. Throughout my whole journey I have tried to be so honest about the whole experience and tell people it exactly as it’s happened so to be called a fake hurt a lot. ”

She went on to explain the non-weight related differences between the posts (spray tans, switch-up in hair color and electronic devices, just average life stuff).

She also admitted that it hurt to post this addition photo of showing her loose skin, but she was willing to deal with that specific pain if it meant ensuring that the world understood her story. Losing as much weigh as Anderson lost is a complicated experience to say the least. For other women who have undergone (or are currently in the process) of undergoing the same kind of transformation, Anderson’s honesty answers the questions many in her boat have- “Is this normal?” “Is this okay?” Yes it’s normal and yes it’s okay. It always helps to have someone living in their truth and demonstrating the power of honesty and the major role it plays in the journey towards self-acceptance. Thank you, Simone Anderson, for stepping up to the plate and being an A+ body positivity role model.

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