A majority of Australians remain keen on losing weight, with a national survey counting 60% with this sentiment out of 18,300 people. However, research by the University Hospital of Cardiff shows that of 1,850 participants, less than one in three succeeded in shedding kilos over the past year. Various factors have made it more difficult for everyone to maintain a healthy weight, from the high availability of delicious (but nutrient-lacking) foods to increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Carrying extra weight may result in less self-confidence in photos and real life.
This is why those who are determined to lose weight need comprehensive support that goes beyond mere dietary changes. In this case, pursuing a weight loss program that espouses a holistic approach – not only at what you eat but other lifestyle factors such as physical activity, sleep quality, and your mindset towards weight loss and your body in general – could be the key to achieving results. While fad diets provide short-term effects, these superficial gains could lead to adverse health outcomes. A science-backed weight loss strategy will help struggling Aussies learn healthy habits that promote sustained success. One way to celebrate this success is by immortalizing your progress through a weight loss photoshoot.
Benefits of tracking your progress
A picture is worth a thousand words and possibly several kilos. Unhealthy diet culture places an absurd focus on numbers, from obsessive calorie-counting to daily weigh-ins – and it’s often ineffective. 72% of Australians said they had tried calorie-controlled diets, but only one in five found success. Plus, the number on the scale doesn’t always reflect your true progress, especially as increased physical activity may result in more muscle mass.
One benefit of setting up a before-and-after photoshoot is the ability to notice bodily changes over fixed periods. It allows you to focus on visible, rather than numerical, results. And because reaching a healthy body weight can take months or even years, having photos to mark every milestone motivates you to stay the course. Photos are also a great way to share your progress with your loved ones and community. If you’re comfortable uploading your pictures online, you’ll likely receive positive encouragement from others on the same journey. Best of all, you might inspire someone else to work on their health goals. Ready to snap those progress pics? Here are a few tips for the best results.
Before and after weight loss photoshoot tips
Before-and-after weight loss photos are all about your body, so avoid loose-fitting clothing that makes it hard to see changes. For example, women focused on losing abdominal fat may want to wear a sports bra. Over time, you’ll compare these photos side-by-side, so wear similar apparel for each photo shoot to create a sense of continuity. Previously, we talked about including symbolic elements for a more impactful photo. You could make it a point to wear the same clothes from Day 1 of your journey – think of a favorite pair of jeans that progressively gets looser – for more dramatic results.
Be sure to take photos from all angles: front, back, full-side, and a 45-degree angle. This helps you spot subtle but essential changes in areas like the chin or hips. For consistency, maintain the same posture and pose in all photos. Ask your photographer to use the same background color every time. And finally, don’t forget to schedule photoshoots during set dates in the year so you can make solid quarterly or annual comparisons. This way, if you see fewer changes or notice visible weight gain, you can adjust your health plan accordingly to get back on track.
When it comes to weight loss, the journey is perhaps more important than the destination. Having great photos is a beautiful way to document your commitment to yourself and your health.
