By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
EIGHTEEN months ago, Hampton Park model Nathalie Nicole was let go from a runway show for being “too fat.”
Now, Nathalie has reached the final of the Mrs Australia Globe competition and could soon be on her way to China to compete on the world stage.
As a national finalist, she has been involved in several charity fund-raising events for causes including Heart Kids Australia – a cause she feels particularly strongly about.
“Heart Kids Australia provides children and families with crucial support at a time when they really need it.
“It’s good to be able to support such a worthy cause.”
The size eight model used last year’s incident to highlight the dangerous messages being sent to young women.
“It did actually affect my self-esteem – not to the point where I became depressed, but comments like that can be really hurtful,” she said.
Nathalie changed her degree from law to psychological science to learn more about the impact of the link between body image and self-esteem, and the psychological effects of external pressures on young women.
“If what was said to me is being said to other young girls, we’re going to end up with a much higher rate of eating disorders in young people,” she said.
“It’s so important that people are aware of this.”
She also works at Anytime Fitness, where she promotes both a healthy lifestyle and positive body image.
The winner of Mrs Australia Globe will be announced on 3 October.
