Let’s be honest—most of us are used to seeing before-and-after photos that scream one message: smaller is better. You know the ones. Sad face on the left, beaming smile on the right. But what if that story isn’t the only one worth telling? What if gaining weight was the real turning point—the one that led to freedom, joy, and confidence?
That’s exactly what happened for these ten incredible women. Instead of chasing unattainable ideals, they leaned into self-acceptance, prioritized mental health, and chose to thrive in their own skin. And guess what? Their glow-up had nothing to do with the number on a scale.
Let’s dive into their stories—because they’re rewriting the rules of beauty, and honestly, it’s about time.
Video: The New Supermodel Won’t Be Retouched Without a Fight: Iskra Lawrence
Iskra Lawrence: The Power of Being “Perfectly Imperfect”
Iskra Lawrence didn’t just break the mold—she crushed it with grace and fire. Once pressured to look a certain way, she flipped the script and became one of the loudest voices in the body positivity movement.
She posted a side-by-side photo showing her evolution—from restrictive eating to radiant self-love. Her caption said it all:
“My body is mine. Perfectly imperfect. My home to be cherished.”
It wasn’t just a statement—it was a revolution. And for millions, it was the permission slip they didn’t know they needed.
Video: Iskra Lawrence on How She Learned to Love Her Body
La’Tecia Thomas: Confidence Doesn’t Come in a Size
Model and beauty mogul La’Tecia Thomas found that happiness didn’t come with shrinking herself—it came with expansion. Expansion of joy, space, confidence, and love for her fuller body.
“I had so many insecurities,” she shared. “Now? I feel unstoppable.”
She stopped chasing skinny and started owning every inch of herself. And that shift? It changed her life and inspired thousands.
Allison Kimmey: Self-Worth Isn’t Size-Dependent
Allison Kimmey is the friend we all need—the one who reminds us that we’re worthy just as we are. Her message isn’t filtered or softened. It’s loud, joyful, and real.
“You are worthy of love, respect, and opportunity—no matter your size.”
Her posts serve as little love notes to anyone struggling to feel good in their body. Because for Allison, growth isn’t measured in pounds lost, but in self-love gained.
Dana Patterson: Gaining Freedom Through Weight Gain
Dana Patterson’s journey is deeply personal. She struggled with an eating disorder for years. Her path to recovery included something society often demonizes: gaining weight.
But here’s the truth—she wasn’t gaining fat. She was gaining peace.
“Recovery isn’t linear. But it’s worth it. And you are never alone.”
Dana’s story reminds us that healing sometimes looks like slowing down, nourishing more, and finally letting go of control.
Tabria Majors: Confidence That Radiates Beyond the Runway
You’ve probably seen Tabria Majors light up magazine covers—but she didn’t always love what she saw in the mirror. She once admitted to hating her reflection. Now? She’s magnetic.
“I’ve never felt sexier. I’ve never loved my body more.”
Tabria didn’t just change her mindset—she changed the whole narrative. Today, she uses her platform to show that beauty doesn’t shrink—it expands.
Aliss Bonython: Laughter, Honesty, and Self-Love
Aliss Bonython tells it like it is. Her transformation photos don’t show a size zero girl with sunken cheeks. They show a woman who fought for joy—and won.
“I may have gotten fat, but I’m HAPPY.”
It’s not about being skinny or thick—it’s about being alive, honest, and real. Aliss now shares her recovery journey with humor, heart, and plenty of sass.
Video:
Gracie bon : breaking barrier and embracing self-love || plus-size model and body positivity icon
Megan Jayne Crabbe: Fighting Back with Color and Courage
Known online as @bodyposipanda, Megan Jayne Crabbe is a burst of color and compassion. She went from battling body dysmorphia to becoming a loud, proud advocate for radical self-love.
When haters accused her of ruining her body, she replied with a mic drop:
“I didn’t ruin anything. I just stopped torturing myself.”
Her energy is contagious, her message is fierce, and her rainbow hair? Iconic.
Jolene Jones: From Sculpted Abs to Softness and Sanity
Jolene Jones had what most would call a “dream body.” Abs, muscle tone, discipline. But behind all that was exhaustion and emotional burnout.
She ditched the gym obsession and chose peace over perfection.
“A six-pack didn’t make me happy. Your body is your home—it doesn’t need to be perfect to be worthy.”
Today, Jolene speaks about nourishment, rest, and redefining success on your own terms.
Maggie Greene: Quiet Change, Deep Healing
Not all transformations go viral. Maggie Greene’s weight gain was gradual—about 30 pounds over two years. But every pound came with a deeper shift in how she saw herself.
Her story is about food freedom, emotional growth, and rebuilding trust with her body. And while it wasn’t flashy, it was powerful.
Because real change? It’s often quiet. But it echoes forever.
Jovana Fit: From Applause to Awareness
Jovana Fit once lost 100 pounds and was praised endlessly for it. But behind the applause was a dangerous obsession with control, praise, and numbers.
Eventually, her body started to change again—and she let it.
“I became addicted to the praise, not the health.”
She now advocates for strength, clarity, and mental wellness over any number on the scale. Her story is a wake-up call for anyone chasing approval instead of peace.
These women didn’t just gain weight—they gained everything else that matters. Confidence. Freedom. Health. Voice. Purpose. And in doing so, they shattered the belief that transformation only counts if you get smaller.
Why are their stories resonating across the internet?
Because they’re real. Because they speak to something many of us have felt but were afraid to say: Thin doesn’t always mean happy. Strong doesn’t always mean rigid. And more weight doesn’t mean less worth.
Their honesty is a mirror—and a lifeline.
At the end of the day, what makes these stories beautiful isn’t weight gain—it’s what came with it. Healing. Self-trust. Courage. These women didn’t “let themselves go.” They let go of pressure, perfection, and pain.
They chose to take up space—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.
And maybe that’s the glow-up we all need.
So here’s your reminder: You don’t have to shrink to be loved. You don’t have to be thin to be worthy. And your story, just like theirs, has the power to change lives.