Teen Mom stars' transformations through the years

Since MTV's 16 And Pregnant aired its first episode in 2009, we've watched the show's titular cast graduate to Teen Mom and become full-fledged reality TV stars. They've gone from teenagers feuding with their parents to parents feuding with their kids. A lot can change in nearly a decade (especially when plastic surgery comes into play).

Being a teen mom isn't easy, and MTV managed to portray the nittiest, grittiest parts of their struggle. There's no denying these young mamas have been through the ringer — from dealing with mental illness, addiction, and death, to feuding with baby daddies and grappling with a sick kid. Throughout their tenure as MTV royalty, the women of Teen Mom have blossomed both inside and out because of their hardships.

While Jenelle Evans' commitment to controversy has outlasted most of her cast mates' relationships, stars like Catelynn Lowell prove that teenage love can endure and mature as long as you remain committed to bettering yourself. From Amber Portwood's dramatic weight loss to Chelsea Houska's hair journey, MTV has show us that their Teen Moms are a work in progress (and we wouldn't change a thing).

When Amber Portwood said she got a "mommy makeover," she really got a mommy makeover. The Teen Mom star underwent a major transformation both inside and out. In an essay for Women's Health, the star admitted she "got up to 180 pounds" while pregnant with her first daughter Leah, and struggled to keep off weight after starting treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder. 

"I kept up with the meds because I'd rather feel normal than be skinny," she wrote. "I feel healthy on my prescription, and I'm going to do what I have to do to stay healthy."

Portwood's diagnosis triggered a total lifestyle change. The star, who had previously lost around 40 pounds on a diet in 2015, admitted she couldn't give up carbs and sugar for the rest of her life. Apparently, she just loves "mac and cheese" — and honestly, who can't relate? Instead, Portwood focused her efforts on "eating healthy, fresh foods," controlling her portions and getting her heart rate going. She paired her dieting with a gym regimen that included 30 minutes on a stand-up bike or elliptical. 

By 2017, Women's Health reported the Teen Mom star was almost at her goal weight thanks to "a healthy eating plan" and a newfound MMA hobby. According to The Daily Mail, Portwood also admitted to having plastic surgery, including a breast lift and some contouring. She gave birth to a second child, a baby boy, in May 2018.

Since Maci Bookout first rose to fame on 16 And Pregnant, the star has grown out her hair, gotten some more tattoos (just look at that sleeve) and adopted tough-as-nails attitude. In fact, the star took on one of TV's toughest reality challenges — Discovery Channel's Naked And Afraid. In the series, two contestants must strip down and survive in the wilderness for 21 days without the comforts of Whole Foods and cell phones. Honestly, it sounds horrible, and then you consider all of the bugs.

The Chattanooga-raised Teen Mom star appeared on the series in 2018 and even managed to start a fire without the help of a Google search. Unfortunately, In Touch Weekly reports that she tapped out during the second day.

"The entire process of Naked and Afraid (training/attempting) did change my life," she tweeted. "My perspective [and] outlook is so much healthier than I could have imagined." She later added that "even though [she] didn't complete the challenge," she was "proud of [herself] for trying something completely terrifying and out of [her] comfort zone."

While Bookout may not be much of a survivalist, In Touch reports that she's "a public speaker and a published author," which is no small feat. Look at this mama go.

According to The Daily Mail, Kailyn Lowry's dramatic transformation may have contributed to her split with ex-husband Javi Marroquin — that or his alleged trust issues and her unfortunate miscarriage. In 2016, the Teen Mom 2 star went to Miami where she allegedly received "liposuction, a tummy tuck and a Brazilian butt lift" while her hubby was stationed in Qatar. Marroquin reportedly told Radar Online, "I knew her surgery would change her."

As it turns out, Lowry sang a totally different tune when it came to their split  – one that has nothing to do with her butt. The star's memoir Hustle & Heart (via In Touch Weekly) painted the picture of a relationship plagued by trust issues. Though Lowry claimed to have "done nothing to make [Mirroquin] doubt [her]," he allegedly insisted on unlocking her phone and constantly calling her while she was out with friends. The star's miscarriage complicated things even further.

According to The Daily Mail, Lowry claimed Marroquin was "a different person" who was "mean" to her after losing their unborn child. He allegedly owned up to initially blaming the star for the miscarriage before he was deployed.  

Leah Messer has had a notably difficult ride on Teen Mom 2. The MTV star was the first 16 And Pregnant cast member to deliver twins, and had to grapple with worries that one of her daughters, Aliannah, was "legally blind" and might "never walk properly," according to Hollywood Life. After suffering from developmental delays, Aliannah was diagnosed with "a rare and incurable form of muscular dystrophy," according to In Touch Weekly.

Thankfully, Ali has since taken her first steps, and Leah seems to be a whole new woman. The star ditched her chunky highlights and mom-cut in exchange for long, shiny locks. She's also made every effort to better her mental health (the most important transformation of all). According to The Daily Mail, the star temporarily lost primary custody of her twins to ex-husband Corey Simms in 2015 and spent a 30-day stint in rehab dealing with anxiety and depression. Though she shares three beautiful children with her two ex-husbands, the star admitted she's a little embarrassed of her marital history.

"I guess they say you know when you know and in past relationships, I knew I should've said no," she told Twitter. "I wasn't where I'm at today though."

Cheers to constant self-improvement.

Bristol Palin — yes, that Bristol Palin — has found TV fame like her mama. No, it didn't involve a vice presidential campaign and infamous impression by Tina Fey. Instead, the starlet took a hint from her mother's series Sarah Palin's Alaska and dove into the world of reality TV. According to TMZ, Palin joined Teen Mom OG after Farrah Abraham was fired for her work in the adult entertainment biz, being "way too difficult" or both.

Teen Mom isn't Bristol's first foray into television. Aside from Sarah Palin's Alaska, the star appeared in the short-lived reality series Bristol Palin: Life's A Tripp in 2012. That same year, she competed in Dancing With The Stars, where she debuted a fit new body.

"I'm just more active and I cut all the crap out of my diet," she told Us Weekly (via Glamour). "It's that simple!"

Today, the mother-of-three has made every effort to lead her children by example (even if that means indulging in detox teas, which help her avoid energy drinks and diet soda).

"I've been trying to set a better example for my kids by making healthier decisions with fitness and diet," she wrote on Instagram. "I have been avoiding sweets and sugary drinks, but it can be so hard for me and my sweet tooth." 'Ain't that the truth.