Student gains 25kg to become plus size model

Now a curvy size 14, Aliss shares images of her body online every day in a bid to show others that women come in all shapes and sizes. Photos / Caters News Agency

A stunning student has gained 25kg to become a plus size model.

Aliss Bonython, 21, from Nottingham, was once desperate to wear a size six dress but after years of starving herself, she has ditched the fad diets and is finally embracing her curves.

Photographed in nothing but her underwear, it's hard to believe Aliss once lacked in confidence and hated her body.

Aliss Bonython during a modeling shoot. Photo / Caters News Agency

But after years of self-loathing, Aliss decided enough was enough and 18 months ago she set up an Instagram account to document her transformation.

Now a curvy size 14, Aliss shares images of her body online every day in a bid to show others that women come in all shapes and sizes.

And she has even started plus size modelling.

Aliss, who is studying American studies and literature, said: "I spent my teenage years hating my body and desperate to fit into size six clothes.

"I would often starve myself for days on end to try and shed the pounds.

"But it was making me so unhappy and after years of battling with my self-image, I finally decided to embrace my curves.

"I used to hate my bum and legs but now I love them and I enjoy showing them off on social media.

Aliss Bonython who was once desperate to wear a dress size six has now ditched the fad diets and is finally embracing her curves. Photos / Caters News Agency

"It took so much courage to share the first image of myself in just my underwear but I've had an amazing response from people.

"My family are so proud of how I've turned my life around, I had battled eating disorders for years and they are so thankful I've now found happiness.

"My following online has grown massively in the past few months, I have now over 60 thousand people following my social media pages, it's amazing.

"I now do the occasional bits of modelling for plus size ranges, I love being in front of the camera."

Aliss Bonython is thrilled to be embracing her curves. Photo / Caters News Agency

Aliss, who now weighs 13 and a half stone 85.7kgs, claims she's healthier than ever and is determined to show others that body confidence comes in all shape and sizes.

She added: "I used run every morning and night when I was trying to slim down but now I go to the gym and lift weights instead.

"I go to the gym to tone up not to lose weight and for the first time in my life, I'm confident and happy in my own skin.

"At my lowest point I was so fixated with becoming thin that I'd forgotten who I was, diet and exercise was overruling my life."

Aliss posts images of herself being a curvy size 14 to help inspire others to embrace their bodies.

Aliss Bonython during her school years and her now after gaining 25kgs. Photos / Caters News Agency

She said: "I've learnt to love all my imperfections and I think everyone should, no one is perfect and most women will have wobbly bits that they wish they could change.

"I'm so much more positive about people around me now and I've had a great response since sharing my pictures online.

"I aim to promote a healthy lifestyle, at the height of 1.79m I used to restrict the amount of calories I was eating but now I eat what I like, within reason.

"I'm at the gym four or five times per week now and I'm much fitter than ever before."

Aliss Bonython during a modeling shoot. Photo / Caters News Agency

Aliss has been subjected to spiteful comments about her appearance in the past but has learnt to ignore any negativity.

She added: "Some people would say 'you would be so pretty if you lost weight.'

"And being young, I'd try everything I could to lose weight and be accepted.

"But I know now that it was all pointless and I only try and please myself now.

"If my story can help anyone battling their insecurities then it's worthwhile."

- Caters