Teenagers all over the U.S. face pressure to be thin.
The National Health Center for Statistics shows that teens trying to lose weight will do everything from eating less to starving for a day or abusing diet pills and laxatives.
"Every day is a struggle for every single woman." That's according to Allison Trent. She's a part-time plus-size model and Media Literacy Specialist for Girls, Incorporated who mentors girls to be "strong, smart and bold."
Allison Trent was in Encinitas Wednesday at the San Diego High School Academy to speak about her experiences and help raise funds for the non-profit organization, Girls, Inc.
On a regular basis, Trent talks to young girls about everything from their body image to their self-esteem. Growing up, Trent says people always told her she was too fat, but she didn't let that stop her. Her father was her support system and she firmly believes that every girl needs that same support.
"Fortunate for me I had a father who was very encouraging to me and always told me I was pretty. I was very strong over the years," said Trent. "I just wanted to push that."
Trent's goal is to "reach at least 100,000 girls personally." She says that everyone has something different to bring to the table, and this is her way of giving back.
