Woman shamed for her loose skin claps back in the best way

With more than 57,000 followers and 1,000 posts, Fitness Blogger Jacqueline Adan has built an Instagram page that inspires and motivates many. With posts outlining her workouts and favourite recipes, Adan has a loyal following — and for good reason.

Once weighing in at more than 500 pounds, Adan was tired of not living the life she dreamed of because of restrictions around her weight.

“It was hard to do anything and I definitely was not living the life I wanted. I was unhappy, felt stuck and did not love myself. Finally I decided enough was enough and I took control back of my life,” she wrote on Instagram.

Thanks to her frankness, followers get a firsthand glimpse at her daily life and goals. While a lot of her posts are positive and optimistic, she also doesn’t avoid getting real.

ALSO SEE: How this mom of three lost half her body weight

“Sometimes it’s hard to look back at pictures of myself. It’s hard to imagine weighing over 500 pounds. But that’s me. Jacqueline… who had an unhealthy relationship with food. Who struggled to get out of the hole I dug for myself. I was good at making excuses and pushing my problems aside. I laughed it off when I was made fun of and acted like it did not bother me. But deep down inside, I was hurt. I was scared. I wanted to live my life again without my weight holding me back. I wanted to love myself again,” she posted alongside two comparison photos of herself.

And her message is resonating with followers.

“You are an inspiration! Your honesty and realness makes me feel like I’m not alone… Because of you I’ve started eating healthier and signed up to a gym,” commented one follower.

“Well done you! How amazing are you? What an inspiration – losing weight is so difficult,” posted another.

ALSO SEE: Couple’s viral boudoir shoot proves body positivity is beautiful

After losing more than 350 pounds, the fitness blogger is in the process of having excess skin removal surgery, and an upcoming vacation didn’t keep Adan from dawning a bathing suit despite her loose skin. As a result of her drastic weight loss, Adan has more than 28 pounds in excess skin. Confidence aside, body shamers were quick to point and laugh when she removed her cover up by the beach in Mexico.

“When we were on vacation in Mexico a few weeks ago, it was the first time I had worn a bathing suit in a long time, and it had been even longer since I wore a bathing suit without a cover up. I was nervous to take my cover up off and to walk into the pool or walk on the beach. I still felt like that same 500 pound girl… then it happened. A couple sitting by the pool started laughing and pointing at me and making fun of me as soon as I took my cover up off… To be honest, yes it bothered me,” she wrote. “I am not going to let what other people think of me stop me from living my life. They do not know me. They do not know how I have worked my ass off to lose 350 pounds… What matters is how you react to it. How you feel about yourself.”

Her followers reactions were mixed with positive praise and anger surrounding the way society reacts to different bodytypes, but one theme was consistent among her fans: her loose skin is a result of hard work and impressive effort.

ALSO SEE: Fitness influencer shows incredible transformation after ditching cardio for weights

“You look fantastic! Don’t let those negative people get you down. What an effort, very impressed with your dedication to get to where you are today,” praised one follower.

“Those people who laughed at you are the reason this world is so messed up. Enormously happy for you, continue living with the same confidence,” added another.

While Adan admits it took a lot of effort to smile at the mocking couple rather than retreat into the 500 pound woman she was before, she is happy she did, not only for herself but to share the experience with her followers.

Adan plans to complete her surgeries and continue to empower her followers through reminding them of the power of self love even in the face of cruel – or misinformed – people.

“Loving yourself just the way you are is hard. Others might not like that. That’s OK. I hope you love yourself. Love your body.”

Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA!
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.