Instagram scrolling can be dangerous, but it can do some good, too. After all, Instagram has the power to inspire change and hope for those struggling with eating disorders (EDs). EDs, such as anorexia and bulimia, are so common that thousands of women and men are diagnosed each year. Many end up documenting their journey toward recovery on Instagram.
Luckily, with that comes hope for the future. These before-and-after photos are empowering transformations that prove recovery is possible.
People are sharing their #EDRecovery story on Instagram to show their journey toward loving their bodies.
"Seeing the path I was on no one would have ever guessed that I was going to see the age of twenty-two," Kelli wrote on her inspiring before-and-after picture.
Their side-by-side photos look back at the dark past from where they started...
"I think it took me until I was 21 to start calming down my anxiety/OCD and balancing my nutrition, exercise and life. Moral of the story is that you can over come most things if you really dedicate yourself," Emily shared.
... versus their healthy and happy present-day situations.
"To me anorexia was like an abusive relationship with myself. I knew it was toxic but I felt I deserved no better. Everyday I would wake up thinking today would be different, today anorexia would love me and it will be worth it, but that self love never came," Aroosha wrote on her shocking image.
And if you didn't know, EDs affect men, too.
"To the professionals and my own demons who told me it was unachievable….. Never tell me it can’t be done," Ben said on his recovery process.
For most, dealing with mental health issues goes hand-in-hand with EDs.
"I was depressed, anxiety ridden and OBSESSED with scale. I weighed myself at least 10 times a day. My relationship with food was extremely unhealthy. You can see in my face just how malnourished I was," Katie shared about her struggles with the illness.
Ultimately, it's about finding balance in all ways.
"Right: super healthy. I love food and I love the feeling of fueling my body of well needed nutrients. I don’t worry about the numbers on the scale. And I love getting them gains," Shan wrote.
Plus, learning to love your body is crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
"YOU HAVE TO EAT. I eat like it’s my damn job. Respect your body and if you are going through something, seek help," Bailey advised, based on her own experience.
Some people admit they're not mentally and physically where they want to be yet in recovery.
"At what point do you decide you need meds to make it through the day? Anyhoo, point is, weight loss is not a cure all. I think I'm struggling more now than I was then. If you're in the same place I am, then I send you all the hugs, positivity, and love I have," Serina wrote about her ongoing process.
But that's OK — each person's journey looks different.
"From eating nothing
To eating everything
To FINALLY having a healthy relationship with my body and food," Brooke wrote about her journey.
Even the most seemingly confident people deal with EDs and have successfully overcome them.
Demi Lovato shared this before-and-after photo to show her unhealthy past, though she explained she still deals with food issues.
Recovery is possible for EVERYONE with some patience, hard work, and self-love.
"Fast forward 4 years to the photo on the right. I practice caring for my body, mind, and spirit daily," Alison shared. "I love and appreciate every season of my life. Every version of myself."
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