Miley Cyrus speaks out on weight, body issues

Miley Cyrus is speaking out after reports have surfaced criticizing the 18-year-old singer for gaining weight recently.

"Miley Cyrus shows off her fuller figure," The Sun's headline reads, with the caption saying that her face appears "rounder" and she was wearing a large shawl to hide "her curves."

Miley Cyrus slams critics

Cyrus took to Twitter to point out the effect these words can have not only on her, but other teens and tweens as well. "By calling girls like me fat, this is what you're doing to other people," Cyrus wrote, including a photo of an emaciated woman that appeared to have an eating disorder. "I love MYSELF & if you could say the same you wouldn't be sitting on your computer trying to hurt others."

The singer then posted a photo of a Marilyn Monroe, with the caption: "Proof that you can be adored by thousands of men even when your thighs touch."

Cyrus' good friend Demi Lovato, who has struggled with eating disorders, tweeted her support. "Amen!" she wrote. "God, I love you... and whoever called you that has it coming."

"I don't wanna be shaped like a girl I LOVE being shaped like a WOMAN & trust me ladies your man won't mind either," Cyrus wrote, saying she loves Lovato's sexy, curvy body.

Has media gone too far by criticizing teen stars?

The fact that Cyrus, who is far from overweight and is a role model to many teens, has to defend her weight brings up an important topic on the role that the media has on teen's body image. In fact, a recent study from the Girl Scouts Research Institute showed the effect that watching reality TV has on a teen's self esteem.

Check out the results of the Girl Scout study >>

We love the fact that Cyrus and Lovato are not only supporting each other, but also speaking out on the importance of a healthy self confidence. Girl power!

How can parents promote a healthy body image?

Many parents struggle with teaching kids the importance of healthy eating and exercise, without making them feel pressured to be thin. Eating healthy can be even more of a challenge over the holidays, when there are pies, cookies and yummy treats around every corner. So how do you find the balance?

Watch how one mom manages her own weight over the holidays without sending negative messages to her kids >>

More on kids and body image:

How your body image affects your kid's body image
How to be a healthy role model
Helping your teen lose weight

Photo: WENN