In more ways than one, Disney star Miley Cyrus is a role model for girls her age or younger. An example of what ambition and talent can do for anyone, Miley is also a model as regards having a healthy image of one’s body, in that she would rather be healthy than stick thin, as certain standards in showbiz would have it, as she confesses herself for People magazine.

Believe it or not, Miley is admittedly not a stranger to weight-related issues, just like any other girl her age out there. However, it has been a matter of choice for her – and she has chosen to stay healthy, even if that means not fitting Hollywood standards of beauty or exposing herself to ridicule in the media. Granted, being diagnosed with tachycardia has also contributed to her choice of focusing on her health and not her weight, Miley also says.

“I’ve struggled with my weight, but when I found out I had a hole in my heart – there was no way in heck being skinny was worth sacrificing my health.” the singer, actress and songwriter tells for the aforementioned publication. “Like lots of girls my age, I can be self-conscious about my looks, but it was clear to me that I’d much rather be healthy and normal sized.” Miley further explains.

Even though even a blind person can see that Miley is in top shape, it’s not because of starving herself, but as a result of a moderate diet and working out, the star explains. In speaking out about her weight-related issues, she is literally opening the door to celebrities admitting that they are rarely, if ever, even half as perfect as they seem on the pages of the magazines, while also encouraging teenage girls in the world to embrace their body as it is and develop a healthy relationship with food.

Of course, Miley is not the only female star to speak about her troubles with her weight, albeit the youngest so far. Just recently, model Bar Rafaeli, who made it on the cover of the much-coveted Swimsuit Edition of Sports Illustrated, spoke out about her figure, also stressing that health was, and should always be, the main focus for any woman. This is what she did and, thus far, this mentality had worked wonders in her own case, the model also pointed out.

“Well, I love food and I love feeling healthy, so I do try to pay attention to nutrition, I think I am pretty good at it, but at least once a week I will have fries and a burger! Regarding exercise, I work out when I have time, but I usually don’t. Right now, I am answering these questions after a workout because I just took two weeks with no work, so I have the spare time.” Bar was telling SI a while back.