'I'm a bikini model who strips off – people need to see a normal body'

Karina Irby, a prominent body positivity influencer bikini model, stripped down to her swimwear in a powerful demonstration against body shaming this week.

The Australian beauty, who is also the CEO of firm Moana Swim, is celebrated for her genuine approach to discussing body image issues online. She took to Instagram with a vibrant multi-coloured bikini, showcasing her natural body in a candid video to her followers.

In the video, Karina pointed out common bodily features such as cellulite, "squishy tummies", bloating and cramps, "jiggly thighs" and rolls, which she referred to as part of "being a girl". She acknowledged that while these might not be considered "perfect", they are normal and should be embraced.

Karina's message is clear: these so-called imperfections are simply part of life and should be accepted rather than shamed. Through her platform, she aims to inspire other women to love their bodies just as they are.

In a heartfelt Instagram caption, Karina wrote: "Human girl things. Don't demonise and cast shame on normal bodily things. You're normal and perfect just the way you are!"

Since sharing the post, it has received over 5,000 likes, with her followers being quick to comment. They expressed their desire to have a tummy like hers, and commended her for discussing body image so openly.

One person gushed: "Thank you for saying this. Sometimes I catch myself saying mean things to my stretch marks and remember you know what I'm human I'm doing great I look great."

Another chimed in with: "I wish more content like this was on social media! We need more body positivity! You're sexy! I need to have this mindset! ".

A third shared: "Love seeing you! Natural girly that's what a lot of us look like, and it's nice seeing it online instead of the overly processed blurred out versions."

Meanwhile, a fourth expressed gratitude, adding: "Always SO SO thankful for you and your posts. When I catch myself judging myself I remember how far my body has gone and will go."

The buzz around Karina's post comes after her recent decision to bare her "imperfections" on social media, challenging the obsession with looking "picture perfect" 24/7. In another raw video, she highlighted that cellulite, bloated bellies, tummy rolls and "giggling thighs" are common, and rather than label them as "flaws", she celebrates them as signs of being alive and kicking.

She's also been vocal about embracing her legs, despite feeling insecure about them. The social media star has no desire to hide them away.

Writing at the time, Karina said: "A carousel of my insecurities. My legs - People staring at my legs in public will never get easy and unnoticed. Tummy - As much as I appreciate it, I still find myself judging it the most. My face - My biggest insecurity. I'd love perfect glass skin."

"Anxiety - I don't mind talking about it but dealing with it makes me feel my worst. Being a business owner - I have imposter syndrome everyday. Even though I look confident, I can show you lies."

"I hope by me sharing what my biggest insecurities are helps you feel less alone in yours."