Demi Lovato Posted Unedited Bikini Photo After Living By Everyone Elses Standards For Most Of Her Life

Demi Lovato is proud of her body and ready to live her own truth after posting her cellulite-revealing photo sources tell HollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY.

Demi Lovato, 27, is all about body positivity! The former Disney star was applauded on social media for posting an unedited bikini photo revealing her cellulite on Thursday, September 5 — and sources say she is feeling better than ever. “It wasnt an overall difficult decision to put that picture up, it was freeing and allowed her to be the person she wants to be. She wants to be transparent and real with her fans, her family and her friends,” an insider tells HollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY. “She wants the public to know the real her and day by day she is getting there and this picture reveal was a great launching pad to continue on this path to better herself.” The photo was taken on Demis trip to the glamorous Four Seasons Bora Bora resort back in May. She previously posted photos in the same swimsuit, that appear to be using a filter or edited.

“Demi is one of the realest people anyone can meet and be friends with and sometimes she doesnt realize that and her truth and her story can be looked at differently in the public eye,” the source continues. “But since she has been through it all in life and in Hollywood she has learned that to be herself is exactly what she should be.” Demi has, of course, been open about her previous struggles with weight, addiction and an eating disorder — but she seems more confident than ever. “Demi has been in the spotlight for most of her life and always tried her best to fit into what she thought societys mold of who she should be. Nobody has put more pressure on Demi, than Demi, and she has lived her life by everyone elses standards,” a second source reveals, referencing the actress early start in the entertainment industry at a young age.

Demi — who recently posted about joining the re-boot of Will & Grace — also celebrated her 27th birthday on August 20, marking over a year since she went back to rehab. “After celebrating her birthday a few weeks ago and with working so hard and staying focused on her sobriety, she feels like she has a new lease on life. Demi is in such a great place right now and after looking over her social media profile, it was almost like a lightbulb went off,” a second insider close to the star spills.

View this post on Instagram

This is my biggest fear. A photo of me in a bikini unedited. And guess what, its CELLULIT!!!! Im just literally sooooo tired of being ashamed of my body, editing it (yes the other bikini pics were edited – and I hate that I did that but its the truth) so that others think Im THEIR idea of what beautiful is, but its just not me. This is what I got. I want this new chapter in my life to be about being authentic to who I am rather than trying to meet someone elses standards. So heres me, unashamed, unafraid and proud to own a body that has fought through so much and will c