‘Pretty Little Liars’ Actress Sasha Pieterse’s Inspiring Weight Gain Instagram Explanation Spurs President Of Girls Above Society Lauren Galley To Write Open Letter About Body Image

Sasha Pieterse put on a brave face when she took to Instagram to speak up to body-shamers who were leaving mean comments about her recent weight gain. The "Pretty Little Liars" actress posted an inspirational Instagram photo, which explained her weight gain, spurring an emotional response from the Lauren Gally, the president of Girls Above Society.

Girls Above Society is a non profit organization "building confidence & leadership skills in tween & teen girls," the website states. Late last month, President Lauren Gally published an open letter to Sasha Pieterse, published on the Huffington Post, commending the "Pretty Little Liars" actress for being confident with her body image and inspiring others to do the same.

"I recently read an article on Ryan Seacrest's FB page and couldn't help but think about the fact that we are ALL 'Under Construction.'" Gally wrote. "Throughout our lives we make choices that lead us on the most epic ride of all...life. During our ride we encounter people, places and things that require choices and actions. Despite the fact that I love Pretty Little Liars and your complex character of Alison, I support your courage to speak out to those who feel the need to judge and tear you down. Society creates an illusion of "perfect" and young girls around the world use this seemingly pointless measure to compare each other, especially those who are in the media. Instead of getting off the ride we must have the confidence and self-worth in order to keep from falling off track.

"We all are equipped with a unique thing called DNA," she continued. "Girls tend to forget that our shape and size depends greatly on a genetic lottery, as I like to call it. I am very thin, not due to any dieting or exercise, but genetics. I've had the moments of being out with a group at a restaurant and if I leave to use the ladies room, I am called out (in a seemingly harmless way) and asked questions like "Did you just throw up?" "Oh, that's her secret to staying so skinny?" Why would anyone even think of such a thing? This mindset is largely due to media. Full focus is placed on photoshopped models, filtered Instagrams of epic proportions that leave girls believing that looking "perfect" is the answer to self-worth and love. No longer are our raw photos enough...we must alter the very person we are and this leaves girls feeling like they are not enough.

"Your words remind us all that everyone has a story. I applaud your courage and the fact that you had to explain your subtle change in weight (I honestly didn't even notice) is an even greater reminder that it's time we girls start a new revolution of empowering each other instead of tearing each other down. I love that we are all so different and have unique abilities to offer as mentors to those who follow in our footsteps. Why not create a positive change where all girls know they are enough....with confidence and self-worth we are our own Superheroes!"

Sasha Pieterse posted the Instagram photo in June, reading: "I am currently under construction... thank you for your patience."

In the caption to the Instagram photo, the "Pretty Little Liars" star explained her recent weight gain, and attributed the couple of extra pounds to a hormonal imbalance. Sasha Pieterse also assured fans that she would soon get back into shape. 

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pretty little liars
sasha pieterse
weight gain
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