Instagram may seem like a great source of inspiration with beautiful images of places and people. However, beneath the surface, there’s a harsh reality where the line between authenticity and pretense blurs. The seemingly perfect images often promote unattainable ideals, setting unrealistic expectations that can result in feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and unhappiness.

Chessie King, a well-known Instagram influencer and blogger, acknowledges this issue and uses her platform to encourage body positivity. She reveals the real side of seemingly ‘perfect’ photos by demonstrating the significant impact certain poses can have.

To emphasize her message, she intentionally poses in unflattering positions and angles. This is in stark contrast to the usual ‘fake’ poses on Instagram where models make their stomachs look flatter, legs longer, and waists narrower. The outcomes are revealing and serve as a necessary reality check for Instagram users who may be getting accustomed to the idea that perfection is the new standard for beauty.

In one of her posts, she expressed, “THIS IS ME. THIS IS MY BODY. No flattering angles, no flattering lighting, just me and my body feeling on top of the world.” She reflected on how a few years ago, she wouldn’t have shared such an image, as her focus was solely on being as lean as possible, hitting the gym frequently, and meticulously counting every calorie she consumed.

“Even when I was at my smallest, putting in intense training sessions with my personal trainer and eating very little, I just wanted to hide my body because it didn’t fit my idea of ‘perfect.’ Now, my main focus is on being happy and comfortable in my own skin. Today, I appreciate my body for what it does for me. We weren’t created to be like Barbie dolls, looking flawless all the time. We were made to be human, and we all deserve to feel fantastic around the clock. To those who criticize, say what you want, but my body-positive attitude remains unshaken.”

When faced with cruel comments from social media trolls suggesting ways to improve her body, Chessie didn’t stay silent. In response, she created a startling Instagram video incorporating their suggestions. She accompanied the video with a powerful caption: “If we changed our body and natural beauty for every troll, listened to every cyberbully, we would be monsters. Whether you have 23 followers or 3 million, NO ONE should have to deal with regular hate online.” The video aimed to confront and challenge the negativity she received.

Chessie remains steadfast in challenging unrealistic ideals, critiquing Instagram trends, and confronting the harmful impact of online trolls. She tackles these issues with a smile and a clever sense of humor. Take a look at some of her pictures below, and feel free to visit her Instagram for more. Share your thoughts in the comments!

Introducing Chessie King, an Instagram blogger and advocate for body positivity.

She’s on a mission to empower girls and boost body confidence by revealing the truth behind seemingly perfect Instagram pictures.

“These photos are unedited and not photoshopped. Same bottom, just captured from two entirely different angles.”

“It infuriates me to read comments like ‘you’re too fat to wear those trousers’ on a recent post of mine. When I was the size in the left photo, people told me I was ‘too thin’ and ‘needing feeding up’…”

“It’s okay to find the ‘pose’ you feel comfortable in for photos, but it’s even better to feel comfortable just standing flat foot on the ground, smiling like the Grinch.”

Chessie persistently challenges and opposes unrealistic ideals.

“We’re all guilty of trying to pose to make our bodies look the best they can, and that’s okay…”

“…but it’s photos like the one on the right that help us all feel a little bit normal.”

“I can change my body in 2 seconds, from the left photo to the right, and in both, I feel good.”

“Just a little reminder of how easy it is to change your body.”

“Left: this morning (no ‘flattering lighting’ or tensing) Right: this afternoon. I’ve eaten alllll the chocolate, all the hot cross buns & ALL the popcorn.”

“Instagram is FLOODED with the left photos when actually we should be drowning in ‘the real life booty’ pictures.”

“This is not a pregnancy announcement. It’s 8:30 am on a Friday morning. Bloating doesn’t just happen after a day of eating loads of food.”

“From a hot sweaty mess to Wimbledon-ready in just half an hour.”

“These photos were taken literally a second apart.”

“If I edited my photos like the one on the right, people would see me face to face and be like HELLLLL SHE DOUBLED IN SIZE.”

“When I was at my smallest, I was definitely not my happiest.”

She consistently emphasizes that fixating on weight is not the path to gaining body confidence.

“These photos were taken just minutes apart. The leggings on the left are a Large, the leggings on the right are a Small. Different brands.”

Even as a body-positivity blogger, Chessie continues to face body shamers. In response, she photoshopped her body based on their criticisms.

“If we changed our body for every troll, listened to every cyberbully, we would be monsters.”

“Whether you have 23 followers or 3 million, NO ONE should have to deal with regular hate online.”