Demi Lovato has struggled with body image issues for most of her young life. Last year she even went to rehab to get help with an eating disorder and drug problems that she says stemmed from low self-esteem.

It’s hard to look at Demi and understand how she could have low self-esteem or feel bad about herself. The actress has been a star since early in her teen years and always looks great.

Still, Demi said that there was a time when she couldn’t stand to look at photos of herself and when she would get ready for a Hollywood event, she would even ask for Spanx to wear under her tight-fitting clothing.

Lovato now has a different outlook on her body and her life and recently shared her revelation with her fans and friends on Instagram.

Lovato posted a photo collage that included photos from past VMA awards over the years. In the caption Demi writes,

“This picture makes me feel so many mixed emotions.. I remember the day I wore the dress in the very first picture. I remember asking for spanx to flatten my stomach because I use to feel so heavy and “fat”. Now looking at this picture, you can clearly see my hip bones. It makes me sad because I wasted so many years ashamed of my body when I could’ve been living the happy and healthy life I live today. It TRULY just goes to show you that your perceptions can lie to you. OR they can make you learn to enjoy life. Fortunately looking at the picture of myself in the red dress yesterday, I not only feel so grateful for the love and support I’ve had from fans, friends and family, but… I also feel.. beautiful. I’m so excited to live my life the way I deserve to and to the complete fullest. Thank you guys once again.. I’m so thankful for my Lovatics. I love you… And never forget that staying strong is worth it.”

Demi hopes that she can inspire other young girls to love themselves and feel comfortable in their own skin.

She said that it took a while but she is now happy with the way she looks and feels beautiful and confident.

Her only regret is that she didn’t love herself sooner.