Emma Quinlan, is best known for her work as a promotional model, but now she is speaking out about the adverse effects her Insta-worthy body has had on her health.

According to The Independent, the Dubliner has previously struggled with body image, and admitted to only learning how to love her body at the age of 30.  

Now, Emma's Instagram feed is packed with fun and active lifestyle shots. 

 

When siblings do #gaelforce #running #fitfam #irishfitfam #runners #racing #ireland #mountainrunning

A post shared by Emma Quinlan (@emmaquinlan) on

However, the model recently revealed that she suffered from Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (no menstrual cycle) for almost four years, and is now encouraging other young women to practise the art of balance in their lives.

''Balance is not flex bowls and clean eats – Balance is a bar of chocolate if you want one, sleep, eating and drinking in moderation and maintaining a shape…'' 

 

**read and forget the pic** Wasn't gonna post it but decided it was important to – before insta for a young (ish) lady i would have been described as slim. Now maybe not so much or at least not "lean". I am not lean but I am maintainable and well, I may not be insta fit but a dairymilk is worth more to me now. When I was lean I was missing something fundamental that so many "lean" and apparently inspirational girls suffer with and some wear as a badge of honour. Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (no cycle) and for almost 4 years – (1.5 years of that was recovery which is horrendous@- And that's how long it took to recover!). The irony is I was never thin, I never looked unwell just Low in bodyfat. All these things lead (not may lead, they actually happen) to osteopenia, infertility, anxiety, insomnia, easier weight gain, depression etc etc… I say this only as so many here see people as an inspiration because they're starving to get into a bikini. Balance is not flex bowls and clean eats – Balance is a bar of chocolate if you want one, sleep, eating and drinking in moderation and maintaining a shape… since I've "recovered" I've been able to reduce some body fat I'm about 1.5kg less now than that…exercise 3 days max (you don't need more), eat, sleep and somewhat feel – because when your hormones stop working you lose "all the feels". Saying the gym helps you mentally (I call BS for most) may be the case but not if you're hormones are suffering, sleep or a mindful walk may help you more. Disclaimer – if you are on the pill you will have a withdrawal bleed but may not be able to alone. It's a topic that needs to spoken about with PT's, the media and should make you question what is defined as inspirational. Sorry to preach but it was a long journey I'd not wish on anyone and posts I've seen off young girls the last few days made me really sad. Disclaimer 2 – I never wear matching anything to the gym because I not much of a sap #fitfam #irishfitfam #ukfitfam #fitgirls #bikinigirls #running #heathy #loveyourbody #bodypositive #womenshealth #crossfitgirls #curves

A post shared by Emma Quinlan (@emmaquinlan) on

She said: "When I was lean I was missing something fundamental that so many 'lean' and apparently inspirational girls suffer with and some wear as a badge of honour.''

"Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (no cycle) and for almost 4 years – (1.5 years of that was recovery which is horrendous – And that's how long it took to recover!). The irony is I was never thin, I never looked unwell; just low in bodyfat."

''All these things lead (not may lead, they actually happen) to osteopenia, infertility, anxiety, insomnia, easier weight gain, depression etc etc… I say this only as so many here see people as an inspiration because they're starving to get into a bikini.''

Emma concluded: ''If you are on the pill you will have a withdrawal bleed but may not be able to alone. It's a topic that needs to spoken about with PT's, the media and should make you question what is defined as inspirational.''

''Sorry to preach but it was a long journey I'd not wish on anyone and posts I've seen off young girls the last few days made me really sad.'

It's an issue that effects women of all ages, and people have been praising Emma for addressing the issue in such a public way.