You might have seen the two photos below appearing on websites claiming them as the results of their weight-loss programs. But that’s far from the truth.
Yes, that is the same woman in both photos: Victorian mum Cass Hines. Yes, she has lost a lot of weight. But there’s one tiny detail that needs to be mentioned here.
In the first photo, Hines was 39 weeks pregnant.
“This is NOT a weight-loss transformation. It is 39 weeks pregnant vs three years post baby,” Hines posted on Instagram earlier this week.
"It is an example, like so many other incredible mums have shown, that you CAN achieve an even better body and mindset post children. It is a reminder that it's not 'the end' after feeling like you won't fit through a door. It's proof that you absolutely can go on to live a fit and healthy lifestyle and be happier than you could ever imagine. With consistency, hard work and dedication... anything is possible. It's all up to you."
Hines, who lives on the Mornington Peninsula, has more than 50,000 followers on Instagram. She originally posted the two photos 10 weeks ago, just before her daughter's third birthday. Then she began hearing that the photos were turning up on weight-loss websites, promoting their programs.
"It's false and misleading and I wanted to set the record straight," she tells Mamamia.
"Plus, it can be a little embarrassing as it's blatantly obvious I'm pregnant.
Cass Hines. Photo via Instagram.
"The other thing I wanted to add is that some sites are promoting the progress picture as 'get these results in four weeks' type of thing. There are no quick fixes to weight loss. Or at least there shouldn't be, for long-term sustainable and healthy results. It has taken me 18 months to get to where I am today. I would never want someone to look at any of my progress comparisons and think they can achieve this in such a short amount of time."
