This plus size model wants you to know that slimmer doesn't always mean "healthier" or happier

For many people losing weight is seen as the key to improving body confidence, but one woman has shared side-by-side selfies of her before and after putting on weight to show that slimmer doesn’t always equal happier.

Meet La’Tecia Thomas, an Australian-based makeup artist and curve model, who’s been busy sprinkling a little body positivity via her empowering Instagram posts.

In one recent post, she shared side-by-side images of herself to illustrate her body transformation from 2014 until now.

The picture on the left shows the model looking slimmer and more stereotypically “fit” than in the image on the right, which is the more recent shot.

While many might assume that the older shot would represent her at her happiest and most body confident, that’s a myth she’s keen to bust.

“I was going through my phone and I found this old photo of me back when I was training to compete in a bikini competition,” she wrote in the accompanying caption.

“So many people will look at this photo and make physical comparisons and say they would prefer me ‘before’. I prefer me at any weight as long as I’m happy.”

“It’s OK to love yourself no matter what your size is.”

La’Tecia goes on to explain how unhappy she was in the picture on the left and that contrary to what people might think, her body confidence during that period was at an all-time low.

“In the picture to the left, I would loathe certain parts of my body – particularly my bum/thighs because that was and is the hardest part of my body to lose. I had so many insecurities, I compared myself to other women and I lacked confidence.”

But after changing her outlook on life, the model learnt to embrace who she was, no matter her body shape.

“I know that hypothetically if I were to go back to what I used to be I would be so much happier and content than what I was because I’ve learned to love me,” she continues.

Now the inspirational model wants to show others that just because you appear to be fit and toned, doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in better shape. Because for her, being in great health means having a good balance in both body and mind, and that’s something she didn’t have when she was following the extreme diet and fitness regime she was undertaking in the picture on the left.

“Your mental health is just as important as your physical,” she writes. “Also I’m not saying it’s okay to be inactive and make unhealthy choices, I think it’s about finding balance, listen to your body, you know what’s best for it.”

It’s a message that has clearly struck a chord with her 350K followers who were quick to comment on La’Tecia’s post thanking the model for sharing her inspirational stance.

“Thank you for this post, it helps to show me and millions of other women, that it’s ok not to be perfect, have that perfect body,” one woman commented. “What is a perfect body? A perfect body is the body that is yours and you are comfortable in. Love yourselves ladies, love your bodies, you can have curves and even cellulite and be beautiful, you are beautiful!”

“This message speaks volumes – self-love, loving yourself at every size, but most importantly you taking care of yourself!!!” another user added.

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