Demi Lovato has a positive body image — but she didn’t always feel that way.
Posting a long message to her fans on Instagram, the 22 year-old singer shared red carpet photos of herself at various events over the years.
Talking about an older photo, she wrote: “This picture makes me feel so many mixed emotions…I remember the day I wore the dress in the very first picture. I remember asking for spanx to flatten my stomach because I use to feel so heavy and ‘fat.’ Now looking at this picture, you can clearly see my hip bones. It makes me sad because I wasted so many years ashamed of my body when I could’ve been living the happy and healthy life I live today.”
“It TRULY just goes to show you that your perceptions can lie to you,” she continued. “OR they can make you learn to enjoy life. Fortunately looking at the picture of myself in the red dress yesterday, I not only feel so grateful for the love and support I’ve had from fans, friends and family, but…I also feel…beautiful. I’m so excited to live my life the way I deserve to and to the complete fullest. Thank you guys once again…I’m so thankful for my Lovatics. I love you…And never forget that staying strong is worth it.”
Demi completed a rehab program for her eating disorder in 2011; since then, she’s focused on making music and spreading positive messages about being healthy and loving your body. You go, girl!
