Female Stars and Body Image

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

16 Jan 2009 09:12 PM

Don't call actress Raven Symone fat. The TV star says she prefers to be considered "thick and fabulous."

Symone recently spoke out about her full figure during a Dove-sponsored self-esteem workshop specially designed for 11- and 12-year-old girls. The former "That's So Raven" star's goal at the New Jersey event was to boost the confidence levels of her young fans.

The 23-year-old actress-singer, who's been working on her fifth album, says she wants young girls to work on building their self-esteem and the reason she makes public appearances is to give them tools to defend themselves against "haters."

The former "Cosby Show" star reveals that she has experienced her share of criticism for her "larger than normal" figure.

"People come up to me and have certain words for me, but you know what I do? I say, 'I'm healthy, I exercise, I believe in myself, and I think I'm beautiful,' " Symone recently told PEOPLE magazine. "You just have to learn how to transform the pressures into something that doesn't soak into you on a personal level. You see it, you breathe past it, you don't let it sink into your self-esteem."

Symone credits her mom and her best girlfriends for helping keep her self-confidence high.

Another star making news for her body is Gwyneth Paltrow. The actress has a new job, but it has nothing to do with appearing on the big screen.

Paltrow's new venture has to do with sweating and swearing. This year the "Iron Man" star says she is swearing off junk food and is partnering with her trainer to open a new gym in New York.

Details on the gym have not been released, though Paltrow did confirm that it will be opening in the Tribeca area.

If you miss Paltrow at the gym you can catch her in "Iron Man 2," which is scheduled for release next year.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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