49-year-old Padma Lakshmi poses nude and make-up free

Padma Lakshmi frequently promotoes body-positivity and self-love on social media. Photo / Instagram

Top Chef host and former model Padma Lakshmi has set the internet alight with a stunning nude photo, showing that the 49-year-old mother-of-one isn't afraid to show off her body.

Lakshmi took to Instagram to share the image, a black-and-white photo which shows her gazing into the camera as she lies naked on white sheets.

Fans heaped praise on the Emmy-nominated TV presenter, saying that the photo was "stunning" and "no makeup perfection".

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🤍 (📷: @priscillabenedetti) #bw

A post shared by Padma Lakshmi (@padmalakshmi) on Dec 28, 2019 at 11:46am PST

Lakshmi has spoken out previously about healthy body image, telling Bravo that she wants to promote self-love.

"I really think that it's kinda bulls**t that Instagram will put little stars or whatever on your nipples (to censor them) but men can go topless left and right," she said.

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When you’ve been on the road for six months straight and you finally get a minute (1) to yourself 🧖🏾‍♀️ #tbt #selfcare #treatyourself #deepsigh

A post shared by Padma Lakshmi (@padmalakshmi) on Nov 21, 2019 at 4:23pm PST

"I find that sexist. We're so afraid of female sexuality in its raw and natural form. We're okay with it being siliconed-out and retouched but an actual woman's real body is, I think, one of the most stunning forms in Mother Nature. So what's the big deal?"

She has also shared a look behind the scenes of her glamorous life, posing in the shapewear she wore beneath her Emmy's gown.

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Feeling emotionally, physically & spiritually secure 🙏🏾 #emmys #tbt

A post shared by Padma Lakshmi (@padmalakshmi) on Oct 10, 2019 at 10:16am PDT

Lakshmi has been the host of Top Chef since 2006 and is also writing and executive producing a new show called Taste the Nation.