Fitness blogger shows how easily Instagram 'transformation photos' can be faked

'Not everything we see meets the eye here on social media'

'I am not a before picture. I am not an after picture' (Jess: My Fitness Journal/ Instagram )

“Transformation photos” allegedly showing staggering body overhauls have become the latest online sensation, however one fitness blogger has warned us to be wary of images we see on the internet.

Jess, from Orlando, Florida who runs the Instagram account PlankingForPizza, took “before-and-after” photos of herself wearing a bikini.

The 26-year-old appears far less toned in her “before” picture and seemingly more lean and muscular in her "after" image.

The transformation, however, was not due to hours of exercise and weeks of dieting. Instead, the pictures were taken just 30 seconds apart - her body overhaul just a change of posture and a bikini adjustment.

 

A photo posted by Jess: My Fitness Journal (@plankingforpizza) on Feb 9, 2016 at 7:03am PST

“This is not a transformation photo," Jess admits to her 45,700 Instagram followers. "This week I've decided to do the 30 second transformation photo. These pics were taken second apart this morning [sic].”

“On the left my posture is poor, I’m pushing my belly out as far as possible.”

“On the right I’m standing straight and comfortably, I’m lightly flexing and I've adjusted my bottoms that now fit well.”

“I’m trying to show […] that not everything we see meets the eye here on social media.”

Jess also used the fake transformation shots to preach the importance of body confidence as well as the benefits of learning to recognise and embrace so-called body imperfections.

 

A photo posted by Jess: My Fitness Journal (@plankingforpizza) on Jan 21, 2016 at 9:36am PST

“You can show your best angles and hide your flaws but at the end of the day what we chose to showcase is a reflection of ourselves," said Jess.

“My body isn’t perfect. I still have imperfections and flaws that I’m slowly learning to be comfortable with. I want to be real and honest and open.”

"I am not a before picture. I am not an after picture. I am not fat nor am I perfect. I'm flawed. I'm scarred. I'm insecure. But I'm learning and I'm hopeful that one day I'll fully love me."