Happy and healthy. That's how most women want to feel. But it's hard to realize those two things aren't directly related to being thin.

"There are three factors that contribute to negative body image: the media, family and peers and so many of our socio-cultural values tend to focus on this thin ideal," said Amy Magnuson, Thagard Student Health Center Health Promotion Director.

But some women have decided to ditch the scale and base healthy on how they feel.

"Women's bodies are all shapes and sizes and I feel like size doesn't really matter. Heavy can be beautiful and you can still be healthy," said Tiffany Mion, who embraces positive body image.

Nowadays, women are less thin-spired by the images they see in magazines and more inspired to get active.

Doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week. It's not just to keep the outside of your body fit but also to maintain heart-health and cholesterol.

"We have to be careful that we're teaching healthy behaviors and healthy activities and regular activities as opposed to being very critical of our own bodies," said Magnuson.

The thin ideal is a new-age phenomenon. In history more voluptuous women were considered beautiful and wealthy and if you were skinny, it meant you couldn't afford food. Even well into the 20th century, curvy women were praised for their shapely figures.

"I feel like some women are not meant to be thin and they feel like they should be, and it's really a disappointment," said Mion.

"I think we've got to encourage more self-confidence and self esteem particularly among women, and again, encourage positive body images, that way they can develop that confidence so that they don't put themselves at risk," added Magnuson.

More television shows are also focusing on self-improvement and physical activity, and there has even been a shift in what images we see in magazines. It's a front that many hope will help defeat eating disorders.

"There are some positive, you know, the Dove campaign and some of those things that are trying to pull us back to reality and what is reality as far as women's bodies go," said Magnuson.

Glamour magazine jumped on the bandwagon as well showing these beautiful women in their true, not size two form.

"If (real) women were featured in magazines, other women would start to read it and gain confidence in knowing that you can still be beautiful and not be model skinny," said Mion.

It's recommended that you talk to your doctor about what weight will be healthy for your body. If you or someone you know has an eating disorder check out CDC.gov for helpful information or contact your local health care provider.