A woman who lost just over six stone has been praised for sharing a candid post about some of the unwanted after-effects of losing weight.
Rachel Graham from Nova Scotia, Canada, lost 90lbs naturally. But while she’s pleased with her healthier lifestyle, she has also been left with stretch marks and sagging skin.
The mum-of-two took to Instagram to post an honest photo of her body, which has garnered more than 5,000 likes.
Graham told People Magazine: “There’s more to my journey than just posed pictures at the best angles. I want to keep it ‘real’ to those following my journey, and my excess skin is my reality.”
Graham, 24, lost weight “naturally” by sourcing healthy recipes on Pinterest and going for daily walks. She chronicled her journey on Instagram (@losinggravity) and amassed 114,000 followers.
She said she was anxious to share the photos of her loose skin and stretch marks but added that she wanted to be honest about every aspect of her journey.
“Do I regret losing weight? Hellllll noooooo. NEVER. Not even a slightest thought,” she wrote. “I am more FIT than I’ve ever been in my entire life. Happier. HEALTHIER.
“I’d be lying if I said my loose skin wasn’t an insecurity of mine. But I refuse to let it consume me. It doesn’t hold me back like the weight used to.
“This stomach has grown two beautiful boys. Has been through a 90lb+ gain and loss (100lb+ lost from my highest weight while pregnant!)”
While she was nervous about sharing such a personal post, it resonated with many and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I have received such an outpouring of love from so many people who can relate,” she said. “I truly didn’t anticipate this much encouragement and support from everyone. Reading the responses really left me emotional!”
She said that regardless of whether you end up having loose skin or stretch marks, the weight loss journey and health outcomes are 100% worth it.
She added that she does plan to have surgery some day to remove the loose skin but said in the meantime she is working on loving herself.