Demi Lovato praises Kardashians for positive body image

Singer Demi Lovato has praised reality TV star Kim Kardashian and her sisters for inspiring women to be proud of their curves.

The Skyscraper hitmaker, who has previously received treatment for bulimia, wasn't afraid to show some skin during Sunday's (24Aug14) 2014 MTV Video Music Awards in a plunging red gown, a style which is vastly different to her previous looks at the prizegiving.

Lovato took to Instagram.com on Monday (25Aug14) to compare her red carpet style over the years, including her 2008 dress, which she remembers forced her to ask for "Spanx to flatten my stomach".

She tells Access Hollywood, "There's the element of insecurity when I go to an awards show... I was 16 and I was having an incredible time, but at the same time I was miserable.

"I look back at that and think you know what I may have been thinner then but I'm so happy that I'm healthy today. And I have curves which are a lot sexier than what I was aiming for. Now I think curves are beautiful."

The singer credits her confidence to celebrities who aren't afraid to show off their voluptuous figures, including curvy Kardashian and her siblings Khloe and Kourtney.

Lovato adds, "J Lo (Jennifer Lopez), Scarlett Johansson, Sofia Vergara, Beyonce - who I don't really consider human, she's more like a goddess. I really think they had a huge impact on that (my confidence). That's why you can think whatever you want about the Kardashians but they really did help tons of women feel comfortable within their own skin."

Lovato left rehab in 2011 following three months of treatment for her eating disorder and her substance abuse and self-harming problems.