Student busts 'weight loss equals happiness' myth with before-and-after photo

Amie Wiley has spoken out about how she gained the confidence to stop worrying about other people's opinions

(Instagram)

A student has shared a before-and-after photo online showing her two stone weight gain , to hit back at the myth that weighing less means a person is healthier.

In 2013, Amie Wiley, from Co. Clare, Ireland, weighed 8st 9lbs, as she followed a strict, low calorie diet, and ate minimal carbs and a small amount of protein.

Now, the 18-year-old weighs 10st 9lbs, thanks to her balanced diet of protein, carbs and unsaturated fats. Wiley works out five days a week, sculpting a separate part of her body during each session, according to Mail Online.

Wiley, who lives in London, has documented her fitness journey on Instagram, where she has over 10,000 followers.

Writing on Instagram of her decision to ditch gruelling cardio sessions and take up weight-lifting, she said: “Back in 2015 I decided to make the transition from cardio to weights.

“I just loved the idea of being toned and leaner and not just being a skinny girl who would just go to the gym to run on the treadmill or go on the cross trainer for hours.”

"Personally, I enjoy weights much more than cardio. You don't just benefit physically from weights but you benefit mentally as well."

"Usually girls would shy away from using weights in fear of getting 'too big' or 'too bulky' but that cannot be further from the truth," she added.

"Weights make me feel strong and confident much more than cardio ever did."

Wiley also told MailOnline that she had to "overcome" how much she cared about the opinions of others".

She added that she tries not the restrict her diet of the foods she enjoys. "If I want a chocolate bar I will have it. It's good to treat yourself every once in a while, but I make sure I don't wander off track and I eat in moderation."

Encouraging others to exercise and eat a moderate diet, she added that "everyone that goes to the gym is there to better themselves so don't be afraid and just go do it."