Bella Hadid is reaping the benefits of her top notch modelling career, after storming the catwalk at the Victoria's Secret fashion show and being named the third most popular model of the year, just behind big sister Gigi and best friend Kendall.

However, the model has faced some criticism for her seriously slim figure, and the 20-year-old is now getting skinny shamed on a new Instagram photo.

Thousands of commentators have flocked to the photo to bash the model's body. 

 

A photo posted by Bella Hadid (@bellahadid) on

The star is being accused of "glamorising anorexia" in a black and white photo, in which her thin thighs and prominent ribs are clearly visible.

"Your ribs. Eat. Dangerous role model for young girls looking at you as an idol," said one.

"Is she anorexic? Stop glamorising eating disorders!" said another. 

 

A photo posted by Bella Hadid (@bellahadid) on

However, other fans are rushing to the models defence and blaming her weight loss on her struggle with Lyme disease.

"There is no need to be disrespectful. In the case you didn't know ( however unlikely that may be) she has Lyme disease so her weight fluctuates. Your comments are not only disrespectful to her and others suffering from Lyme disease but to people suffering from anorexia as well," said one.

Lyme disease does cause both weight loss and weight gain in sufferers as it effects the metabolism, so it is very possible that Bella's slim figure is a result of her illness, rather than an eating disorder.