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Plus-Sized Model Bares All
Posted September 7, 2009

Open up almost any fashion magazine and you will usually see a much smaller than average sized woman posing on just about every page.  This is why when plus-sized model, Lizzie Miller, posed nude in Glamour magazine recently people noticed.  Glamour was soon inundated with letters from readers praising them for being brave enough to feature an average sized woman. 

People found Miller's photo to be a refreshing change from the norm and rejoiced that they could finally relate to a model's figure.  Lizzie Miller discussed her decision to pose nude for the magazine.  Miller said, "I remember when I was younger, looking through magazines, and I would feel so out of place and so self-conscious because I didn't see anyone who looked like me." 

It is no wonder the size zero models are difficult for us to relate to when, according to an ABC News article, an estimated 41 percent of women are larger than a size 14.  So why do retailers seem to cater to tiny figures when most consumers have a much fuller figure?  It doesn't make sense that retailers seem to be turning their backs on literally millions of consumers

The fact that Miller's photo caused such a stir proves that we are ready to see this kind of change in our magazines and advertisements.  Miller talked about this change when she said, "The fact that this picture caused such a frenzy, it says that this is obviously, something that people need to see.  I'm not trying to promote obesity, and I'm not obese, but I'm also not stick thin."

What do you think of plus-sized model, Lizzie Miller, posing nude for Glamour magazine?

Do you think more fashion magazines should feature larger women models?

50 Comments
Irasemayanezz says: on Sep 07, 2009
I really think they should feature larger women on many magazines, that is a good idea not only because people would get motivated to love their body as it is and try to work on themselves to feel better but also because those skinny girls on the magazines just makes us( larger women, size 11 like me) feel bad..
emac79 says: on Sep 07, 2009
I don't like that she has been referred to as PLUS sized. Is she a size 18 or more? If so, then yes, she is plus sized, but if she is the average size 14 or 12, then let's not refer to her as PLUS. That term grates on my nerves as an average size girl. I am in no way PLUS, I am how I am supposed to be. I am glad a magazine decided to post her pics, and would love to see more of it. I don't think it is such a risk, as the blog states, but more of a good business maneuver. You want people to buy, you have to appeal to them.
curleytop says: on Sep 07, 2009
I think it is wonderful that an average size woman posed for a magizine. There should be more doing this. We want our daughters and granddaughters to go up loving themselves and their bodies. We have to prove to them there is nothing wrong with being average size. Good Job Glamour Magazine I praise you for doing this. Please do it more.
RockerChick91 says: on Sep 07, 2009
I'm glad that they put an average size woman on the magazine. It's not fair to say that a size 00 woman is the only thing that is perfect when all women come in all shapes and sizes. We shouldn't have to compare our bodies to someone in a magazine which is clearly airbrushed.
JBallantine says: on Sep 07, 2009
The thing is that Glamour had this posted WAY in the BACK of the mag with just 2 small pictures. It wasn't something they featured. The full story is here http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/32538061/ns/today-today_fashion_and_beauty/
Irasemayanezz says: on Sep 07, 2009
They call it a PLUS size model because what they think is a perfect model is either a 00 or size 1 and thats what most of the magazines feature. Why doesnt anybody make a poll of what men prefer either a size 00-1 or a size 9-11??? Im almost 100% sure what the % would be!
Pepperjune says: on Sep 07, 2009
I was really proud of Lizzie,she is a confident and lovely young women,and seeing her picture made me FEEL good about myself,that she was real and I am also real. Suddenly the 10 pounds I have put on in that last year,didnt seem like such a big deal. She loves herself,so why cant I?
Stephbff says: on Sep 07, 2009
In terms of the way women should be represented by the media, Ms. Miller's apperance in Glamour was a baby step. We should be represented in a realistic light; in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Ms. Mller looks like she is an average sized woman not a plus size woman. If Glamour really wants to break down barriers they should do a feature story on a woman who is a size 18 or larger. Even better, do a feature on average sized and plus sized women. Moreover, make a promise to their readers that they will begin representing women realistically by using models of all shapes and sizes.
jeanelley says: on Sep 07, 2009
I think the fact this story has become such a hot topic, just tells us that there is a real problem in this country. Far too many superficial people who seem to care too much about what other people do with their time. Worry about your own health, your own family, and your own life and the world will start to revolve in a much less pressured way.
thebutlerdidit says: on Sep 08, 2009
JBallantine, thanks for posting the link to the story and photos. I totally agree that this was a baby step for the magazine. Not so brave of Glamour to bury these tiny photos. I am so surprised by their surprise at the positive reaction people have expressed to Glamour. Now I wonder - do they not believe us when we say they would like to see women who look like us in magazines? Or do they just not listen? The "Campaign for Real Beauty " from Dove makes me very happy and very comfortable relating to their products because I can see that they are appropriate for women like myself. Sorry Glamour, but I can't exactly picture myself wearing the fashions displayed in your magazine. Also - BOO to She Speaks for referring to this model as Plus Sized in the heading for this article. She is not. She is average, healthy, and gorgeous. The fact that she is normal and the fact that a normal woman appearing in the magazine is causing a stir is really funny when you think about it.
sassysami says: on Sep 08, 2009
I think it it great. But I would not call her a PLUS SIZE. She is average woman at a healthly weight. with real curves. People of all sizes should be recongnize that they are all beautyful know matter what other people say!
maenad25 says: on Sep 08, 2009
What a powerful image for women. I am so tired of trying to live up to impossible standards. Even the models don't look like that in real life. All the airbrushing makes us feel that a lot of women truly ARE perfect and that we don't measure up for one reason or another. I think it's time that magazines took some responsibility for creating this problem.
shopperMD says: on Sep 08, 2009
I think its about time. Great change and a good step for future generations. I have heard only positive things about it.
cewhiting says: on Sep 08, 2009
Good for her. As many people say those models or too skinny. Its nice to see a model not a size 2.
junconventional says: on Sep 08, 2009
You know back in the day - the supermodel weren't so skinny, they had "regular" bodies - Christie Brinkley, Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks, Cindy Crawford - they looked like they ate and I don't think any of them were a size 2. In the fashion industry every thing over an 8 is considered plus size and if you look even in the Lane Bryant catalog - they are curvy but typically not an 18 or a 20 (usually they are a 14). Yes, in reality it would be nice to see more women with curves or figure flaws like me on the cover and within the pages of the magazine. The real problem is these designers that don't make anything over a 12 (or they call it a contemporary fit which is like jr sizing).
stefaniek99 says: on Sep 08, 2009
I applaud Glamour for featuring a regular sized woman. I also especially applaud them for not airbrushing her. But I think we need to stop focusing on the size number altogether. Yes, many women are sized 14 but what does that mean? They say Marilyn Monroe was a size 12 or 14, but in modern times (because of all the reductions in sizing) that would be equivalent to a size 6. And hasn't everyone been one size in one store and a completely different size in another? The numbers mean nothing at all. I'd like to just see some healthy women. Not rail thin, but not obese either (I don't think either should be celebrated because neither are healthy).
abmomof4 says: on Sep 09, 2009
Finally! When I see one of these size 0 models it makes me think somebody needs to feed her! They don't even look healthy! I have 4 daughters and they are all built different and I as a mom have to let each know they are beautiful in their own special way--no matter their size--society makes that a lot harder to convey & they are not always easily convinced.
krispy76 says: on Sep 09, 2009
At least it's a step! I really appreciate that ALL YOU features real women! I get so sick of seeing these itty bitty super models and their ridiculous clothing that almost no real woman would wear.
October says: on Sep 09, 2009
That's a horrible picture you really can't tell what size she is, but she certainly does not look plus size.
anndrrea says: on Sep 09, 2009
GOOD FOR HER AND GLAMOUR! i'm 19 so i know that the media and everything entertainment wise is shoving almost everything down our throat to be a size 0. i love this!! this made my day compltely
eagleiau says: on Sep 10, 2009
I understand it may been seen as a step for real sized women, but also have to ask would we even be having this discussion if it was a man.
jenndta says: on Sep 10, 2009
Correct me if I am wrong, but she looks fit, healthy, and beautiful! Isn't that what we all should be. Thanks to Glamour, my daughter knows what a true beauty is. Not those sickly looking things that are prancing around. They can barely stand straight up on their shoes. Now it's time for more magazines to get with the program!
SONTAG says: on Sep 10, 2009
YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!
VoluptuousMeli says: on Sep 10, 2009
I'd like to see more normal-sized people that live healthy lifestyles grace the covers and pages of magazines.
mommy2libras says: on Sep 11, 2009
It's great that a real sized woman finally got into a magazine. I hope to see more of it soon.
Indica66 says: on Sep 11, 2009
Marilyn Monroe was a size 12 and we see how her beauty has lasted through the years. This may be slightly off subject, but along the same vein, but as I was very excited to see a real woman on the cover of a magazine, can someone please do something about the weight loss commercials? Why is it that we get some goofy commercial with some rail thin woman fretting over messing up her diet by stopping to look at some candy? Does anyone else get all tied up in knots over this? No wonder eating disorders are on the rise...when you cast petite/underweight women in these roles "struggling" with the possibility of ruining their diets....seriously! But thank god for the diet drink or candy they have in their purse...the world almost ended!!! Give me a break.
dedezozo says: on Sep 14, 2009
I think that it is wonderful that "real" people are being featured.
talianfly126 says: on Sep 14, 2009
I love the fact that "real" women are being featured in Glamour, as long as they are healthy. Wether or not your a size 2 or 16 I just hope that people dont think its ok to be large and unhealthy, or skinny and unhealthy. I didn't read the article but I think I will!
aesoto says: on Sep 15, 2009
I LOVE IT! I think that it makes since for bigger women to show off their curves...afterall no one relly looks like those ultra slim models anyhow. I think that if we let young girls know that it is okay to be you, they will realize eating disorders arent worth it!
countrycouponclipper says: on Sep 15, 2009
Bravo to Glamour I to am a plus size women and I think its awesome!!! There is nothing wrong with being curvy she looks healthy there is nothing wrong with slim women in magazines as long as they are healthy too not boney and sick looking we are all beautiful and come in differnt sizes and colors and its beautiful
dmb4454 says: on Sep 16, 2009
i think that it is so great to see a plus size model featured in a magazine for once! I am plus size and i am tired of seeing those smaller than average women in magazines. I think it is better for teenagers to see it too... it would help prevent all the eating disorders that you hear all these very young women having now a days. i think there is to much pressure on these poor young teenagers.
msfriendly says: on Sep 16, 2009
IT"S ABOUT TIME! I HOPE this trend continues! I think our kids need to see HEALTHY images of women!
woobeley says: on Sep 17, 2009
I hope this has started a trend. I'm a size 12/14 dependng on the store and can't believe I'am considered plus size. I'd rather be seen as normal. Kudos to Lizzie Miller!
laineybugger says: on Sep 17, 2009
I thought she was brave to bear it all not being stick skinny! I wouldn't really consider her PLUS SIZE. just a normal average woman!
giggles3 says: on Sep 17, 2009
I am very pleased that Glamour posted Lizzie's photo in their magazines. I'm glad I can see a beautiful average woman going out of the norm of stick skinny models. I personally always wanted to attain a career in modeling but felt that it was impossible because of my figure. I never really had the confidence in myself to go and take a picture of myself and refer to the picture as beautiful. I've always thought I was overweight but various people tell me that I'm not even close to it. (5'5' and 135 lbs) I see Lizzie as an inspiration to love my body the way it is and to not let the media's idea of beauty get to me. I think magazines should have more plus-size models because it wouyld show the REAL AMERICAN WOMAN that the men love.
docmp78 says: on Sep 17, 2009
I think every woman goes through different sizes all through her life..before marriage,after marriage,after having kids,in pre-meno,post -meno..it varies a lot.plus depends a lot on ur genes etc. No one can stay certain size all their lives..but every woman should be confident in whatever the size is..and the media /tv/mags etc should not try to keep us all in size they think is perfect for us!! as long as we feel healthy,we are good:)
cathy825 says: on Sep 18, 2009
I think more magazines should feature plus sized models because skinny models are not the only pretty ones there's plus sized females that have the face of a model. I think is unrealistic if magazines don't feature plus sized models all kinds and looks if they don't put them in covers it wouldn't matter to me if they are famous is just a matter of variety.
twicebad18 says: on Sep 20, 2009
I was very pleased to see that picture and when i saw it I was like she has a body like mine and she is in a magazine what gives LOL its nice that an average size women is pictured in such a popular magazine. regardless of whether she is plus size or average she is above the stick thin figure that has become todays model and we should applaud that.
saralee49509 says: on Sep 21, 2009
I like how a larger woman is poseing nude I am a larger woman and I say a long as you are happy with yourself to pose nude then who is anyone to to say you can't. I love my curvie body I would do it too!
gingerella says: on Sep 22, 2009
I think it is great that she did this. I know I have so many body issues so I could never do it. But I think more magazines, tv shows, music videos etc should show more "real sized" women because most of us aren't a size 0-2.
momagarry says: on Sep 23, 2009
I admire her confidence.
Jere2911 says: on Sep 24, 2009
I'm sick of all skinny models because I am skinny. They ruin it for me. I wasn't blessed with any curves. But just because I'm a size 2, 32-A, why can't I be happy with my body? I eat well, this is just me- I'm small. But because all these scary-skinny girls, there's a stereotype that comes with this body. To me this story isn't about being "plus-sized" it's about being yourself. I won't apologize for who I am- I'm proud of my body too. We're all different. And that's what makes each of us beautiful. And hopefully other magazines and TV will pick up on the same idea we have and do something about it.
mommymomo says: on Sep 25, 2009
Props to them! Women and men come in all shapes and sizes and color! We need to show that more often!
sisterjan says: on Sep 27, 2009
She looks fit and healthy, not anorexic. It's a pleasant change to see the way the average women look.
latinamom says: on Oct 01, 2009
First off, lets not call her a plus size model. Lets just call her a model. The smaller models are the ones that are not normal. They should be the underweight models. I can't believe we have allowed magazines and the fashion industry to make us believe bones and skin is beautiful. It's not. Being able to see the spine, collar bones, shoulder bones and wrist bones is not pretty, that is sick. I am very proud of both Lizzie and Glamour magazine for entering the real world.
Zengirl8 says: on Oct 03, 2009
Bravo to Lizzie for representing an average and healthy body in a magazine that is infamous for not featuring them. Now that this is out there..more magazines need to embrace this and feature regular size bodies and fuller bodies in their stories. Fashion ads have to pay attention too! So many magazines really put a damper on your spirits when you look through them and see the unrealistic bodies that make you want to go on a diet and you proceed to beat yourself up and compare how you look vs. how they do. I loved when Dove had all sorts of shapes,sizes,races and ages in their ads nude. I saw them in many magazines,but I wonder now if they are still being run in magazines? Things like these always seem short-lived and that is a real problem. They need to become normal so that when you are going through any magazine you can say "Look, someone I can relate to"..not the opposite.
Nubians says: on Oct 05, 2009
Why is she a plus size model??? She looks like the real world of women; not airbrushed, photo shopped, etc. She's beautiful and that's how we women look before the photographers decided to make us "better". She is a perfect size "Lizzie" as we all are perfect size "..." With all of our curves, bumps and rolls, we are perfectly beautiful Women. And maybe the plus stands for "PERFECT".
laidoff says: on Oct 08, 2009
Hey...were all beautiful just different sizes and color. But the Media and Magazine Company's only make money on slim women. It's all about $$$$$$$$$$$
Alyssarae92293 says: on Oct 14, 2009
I'm very proud of this Beautiful Plus Size Model!
brimcgrail says: on Nov 29, 2009
I think our young girls need MORE role models such as this one. The average american women is NOT a size 1....Maybe our young ladies will not feel so much pressure to be an unattainable size.....
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