Model Erin Heatherton reveals why she walked away from the Victoria's Secret runway

Kelsey Hendrix | Apr 10, 2016

This year, we made history with three separate SI Swimsuit covers, showcasing the fact that beauty comes in many, many forms, all of which are equally admirable and sexy.

So it should come as no surprise that another one of our gorgeous models would use her platform to inspire and encourage women around the world to embrace the bodies they were born with. Two-time SI Swimsuit model Erin Heatherton took to Instagram in early March to reveal her struggles with body image and how she was able to grow into the confident, beautiful woman she is today despite feeling like a failure early on in her career.

Now, Erin is going one step farther and explaining exactly why she walked away from one of the most famous runways in the industry.

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In a new interview for Motto, a website from the editors of TIME, Erin explains that leading up to her final two Victoria's Secret shows, she was told she needed to lose weight. She goes on to reveal that she attempted to eat healthy and exercised twice a day, but it never seemed to be enough.

“I was really depressed because I was working so hard and I felt like my body was resisting me,” she told Motto. “And I got to a point where one night I got home from a workout and I remember staring at my food and thinking maybe I should just not eat.”

Since parting with the major lingerie retailer, Erin has taken the time to learn to listen to her body and is hoping that by sharing her story, she can empower others around the world who may also be struggling with the same issues.