‘Trolls disgrace me for flaunting cellulite – however I’ll by no means cease exhibiting my flaws’

Cellulite is an absolutely normal aspect of the female body, so it’s shocking how women can be shamed for having something so common.

This was the experience of one person who chose to broach the subject of body image on social media, leaving her somewhat upset. Danae Mercer Ricci, 36, has been sharing body positive advice for years on Instagram.

She now has an astounding 2.3million followers – and she’s appreciated for her authentic and undefiled posts. However, heightened visibility often leads to criticism when you share your life online.

READ MORE: ‘I’m a fit gran and don’t need to look younger – I already know I’m beautiful’

Check out more real life stories here

Lately, she acknowledged she has been trolled due to her physical appearance, and it’s increasingly grating on her.

Danae often works to unveil the truth behind social media. Besides highlighting supposed “imperfections”, which society frequently criticises, she discloses how internet users tweak their physique using posing and lighting techniques.

Through employing basic tricks, people can conceal aspects they prefer remain unnoticed. Danae utilises her prominent platform to demonstrate exactly how this is done.

Despite her instrumental role in bolstering the self-esteem of numerous women, some individuals demean the mother by trying to bring her down.

In a post on Instagram, Danae revealed: “A woman with 5m followers commented on my account today: ‘It [cellulite] is not healthy and not normal in this amount,’ she wrote. ‘I don’t understand why you promote unhealthy things’.

“She’s known for her fitness transformations. She’s known for being beautiful. And while she is, she is, It got me thinking about how the internet has so truly lied to us.

“Social media shows us the highlights. The perfect moments. And it shows us ‘fixed flaws’ – often by people and brands. Selling products or programs or potions to ‘cure’ all that’s wrong.

“In other words, it shows us a warped world. So today, let this be a little reminder, a little dose of reality. Lighting and posing and styling can change so much.

“And your body is not broken. Don’t let social media make you doubt yourself for a second.”

Since she shared the post, 24,000 people liked it, and her followers were quick to comment too. They thanked her for opening up about body image so candidly, and also reassured her she makes a big difference to people’s lives.

One said: “I’m sorry you had to deal with the negativity of a person who, despite having great success, is driven by what we can only assume is deep insecurity to behave like this. It’s sad, and it’s unfair and I’d like to thank you for being such a positive and proactive voice.”

Another responded: “Your account has really helped me to reshape how I see my own and other women’s bodies for the better. It has also shown me how media has historically put wild pressure and influence in ways that does more harm than good.

“I love the changes I see now compared to when I was a younger girl – and yet there is still so much to be done.”

Want all the biggest Lifestyle news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Hot Topics newsletter