Amy Schumer takes on 'fat-shaming,' in way only she can

Comedian Amy Schumer wants fans to know she's proud of her body, no matter what size it is.

The actress and comedienne started fielding critiques of her body from members of the opposite sex in the fifth grade, she told Kim Caramele, her sister and Glamour magazine writer, in an exclusive interview. Unsolicited feedback about her appearance has continued throughout her life, but she says has since learned not to let it affect her confidence.

"Appearance has so little to do with where we should get our confidence from. But everywhere we turn we’re told we’re supposed to look this certain way," she told Ms. Caramele.

“For women, we're taught to eat less until we disappear. And trained to believe that if you don't look like everyone else, then you're unlovable,” she went on. “Men are not trained that way. Men can look like whatever and still date a supermodel.”

The Comedy Central star has been labeled a feminist icon because of her propensity to speak her mind – frequently rather crassly – and her willingness to break gender stereotypes.

With the ease and anonymity of social media, many female celebrities have been directly confronted with weight-related criticisms from fans and foes alike. And some particularly outspoken women have fired back against so-called "fat-shaming."

After acclaimed actress and Academy Award winning star of the 2009 film "Precious" Gabourey Sidibe received flak for her appearance during the Golden Globe awards, Ms. Sidibe tweeted:

“To people making mean comments about my GG pics, I mos def cried about it on that private jet on my way to my dream job last night. #JK."

And the singer Pink, after a similar incident, sent out her own long message on Twitter:

“While I admit that that dress didn’t photograph as well as it did in my kitchen, I will also admit that I felt very pretty. In fact, I feel beautiful. So, my good and concerned peoples, please don’t worry about me. I’m not worried about me. And I’m not worried about you either.”

Ms. Schumer, meanwhile, has responded to comments about her weight by stressing that it has not hampered her success with potential male suitors – albeit with a touch of her signature profanity. When asked if some of her comments about female sexuality may have crossed a line, Schumer also responded confidently:

"I'm proud of what I said,” she concluded. “I think it's good to see somebody saying: I have a belly. And I have cellulite. And I still deserve love.”