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Jessica Smith was born missing part of her arm, and at 18 months, received serious burns after knocking over a pot of boiling water.

Doctors warned her parents that she might suffer from body image problems at a later age, and, sadly, their predictions turned out to be accurate.

By high school, out of a desire to make her body as ‘perfect’ as she could, Jess had developed anorexia and bulimia.

Jess’s eating disorder was not immediately recognized by her family – she was a talented swimmer, even competing in the Athens Paralympics.

But as her illness developed, her entire family began to suffer along with her. Jessica’s situation placed a strain on her parents’ relationship and affected her three brothers.

Finally, at 21, after seven years of battling the illness, Jessica sought professional help.

Now healthy, happy 27-year-old, Jessica is a motivational speaker working to spread the positive message that it’s important to love your body, just as it is.

Hear Jess’s message at http://www.jessicasmith.com.au/