Lady Gaga fights fat jibes: I was bulimic as a teenager

SHE'S one of the most successful singers in the world - and she has had to defend her looks. But she's kicking back.

First came the unflattering photos of Lady Gaga, published on every entertainment site, along with some very judgmental euphemisms.

Then came her admission that she'd put on 11kg, the result of eating too much Italian food.

Finally, reports leaked out that execs at her music label, Universal Music Group, were appalled by the photos and ordered her to lose weight - or else.

The message from on high was: We love that you make us a ton of money, but don't ever, ever put on weight; it's not the kind of quirky individuality we're comfortable selling.

Selling 87 million records doesn't cut you any slack it seems.

Do you think Gaga's photos raise awareness of body issues? Tell us below in comments

Now Gaga has responded to the "fat jibes" and the alleged threats in the most direct way possible - with some eye-grabbing photos of her own and a startling admission.

She posted four unedited pictures of herself in her underwear on her website, LittleMonsters.com, to kick off "Body Revolution 2012", a forum for fans to address body image issues and embrace and share their flaws and insecurities.

The captions underneath the pictures reveal her own pain: "Bulimia and anorexia since I was 15", "But today I join the BODY REVOLUTION", "to inspire bravery", "and BREED some M$therf*cking COMPASSION".

In an open letter to her fans, she urged them to "be brave and post a photo of you that celebrates your triumph over insecurities. My mother and I created the BORN THIS WAY FOUNDATION for one reason: 'to inspire bravery.' This profile is an extension of that dream. Be brave and celebrate with us your 'perceived flaws,' as society tells us. May we make our flaws famous, and thus redefine the heinous.
Gaga said she's happier than ever with her body.

"I have been startled and overwhelmed with pride and emotion the past few days. Gratitude mostly. Seeing you post photos of things on your bodies and in your minds that you feel society tells you you should be ashamed of. You are showing them you have no shame. You are brave, strong and accepting not only of yourself, but of others through your experiences.

"You are proud to be born this way, and brave in your vulnerability with this community. Watching you all create a safe space online for people to be compassionate is the greatest gift you could ever give me.

"My weight/loss/gain since i was child has tormented me. No amount of help has ever healed my pain about it. But YOU have. My boyfriend prefers me curvier, when i eat and am healthy and not so worried about my looks, I'm happy. Happier then I've ever been. i am not going to go on a psycho-spree because of scrutiny. This is who I am. And I am proud at any size. And i love you, and want you to be proud in any form you may take as well. Please don't look for kindness in critics, go where you know the gold is. Here, in out hearts. Love, Gaga."

Her plea worked. Gaga fans have flooded the site with their own confronting photographs and stories. One wrote: "My assistant and best friend sonja. Stage 2 breast cancer. Gaga has inspired me to share my journey with you even though it's always been embarrassing for me to show how overweight I was."

Most fans thanked the singer for her stance: "You give us the strength to take the parts we are supposed to be ashamed of and make them into our pride. Thank you so much for always believing in us and trusting us enough to let us in on your personal life and struggles."