May 10, 1999
Web posted at: 11:25 a.m. EDT (1525 GMT)

(CNN) -- The following is an edited transcript of a chat with supermodel Emme discussing weight and body image issues on Friday, May 7, 1999.

Chat Moderator: Thank you, Emme, for joining us today!

Chat Moderator: Can you tell us a little bit about your philosophy on weight and how you incorporate it into your daily life?

Emme: My motto is, "Don't weigh your self-esteem on the bathroom scale." Try and live a life that's filled with experiences, depth and caring. And you'll wind up having a very interesting and full life -- not only about your body and how small it should get.

Chat Participant: Emme, I was wondering what gave you the self-esteem to get into modeling in the first place? I think it's hard enough for any woman to have a positive enough self-image to make that decision.

Emme: It happened by mistake. I was a marketing director at a real estate firm and was looking for a new place for advertising. And I saw an article in an on-flight magazine that told me about full-figured modeling 10 years ago. And I said, "Hey! I'm a size 12/14. The worst they could say is no. Let me just give it a try." If you don't walk in traffic, you won't get hit.

Chat Participant: What is the average size of women in America today?

Emme: Sixty-two million women are an average size of 12 and above. Forty-nine percent of women are size 16 and above.

Chat Moderator: You were chosen as one of People Magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" in this week's edition. What does that designation mean to you?

Emme: It's quite an honor to be picked, and I just hope that there'll be many other women behind me in years to come that will be chosen not just on their body size but the things they have done in their life. A diversity of beauty is what we are going for here.

Chat Participant: Welcome, Emme! Being a model, it must be easy for you to find clothes. What tips can you give to full-figured gals to find clothes that they are comfortable in? Any do's and don'ts?

Emme: The reason why I'm such a blabbermouth in the public about having your voice be heard is because it is not very easy to find clothes that are sexy, fun and comfortable. However, there are a few designers like Elizabeth, Anne Klein, Ellen Tracy and a few others you can find in department stores that offer khakis, jeans, and other confidence-building clothes that make you feel and look great. Please always make your voice be heard with your retailers, magazines and mass media, because that's how change can take place. That's the only reason why things have changed in the last five years. It's because of you.

Chat Participant: When can we expect to see more plus-size women in magazines? It is hard to relate to the women I see in the magazines.

Emme: Diversification of ethnicity, age and size is slowly taking place within mainstream magazines. Please pick up Mode Magazine, take a look at it, then encourage other magazines to filter throughout their magazines diversity of size so all can aspire and be inspired instead of guilt and shame every time we look at an image that's not like our own.

Chat Participant: Is this obsession with slimness cyclical, recurring every 20 years or so, or do you see this as a permanent situation?

Emme: I believe that our obsession with thinness takes place when we allow capitalism to rule other industries, mainly the diet-related industry. And because the diet-related industry is so powerful, approximately a $50 billion diet-related industry is based on a 98 percent failure rate. However, without that knowledge, we continually think that the images being portrayed are what we should be instead of intelligently looking at ourselves individually and saying what we are is healthy, unhealthy, using our own minds in an intelligent way. With the amount of advertising dollars put in this one image, the carrot is being dangled above our heads, and every so often it goes higher and higher and our self-esteem goes lower and lower. It's time to wake up, and read books on nutrition, re-teach ourselves when we are hungry and we are not, and fill our lives with experiences that nurture us, rather than making us feel less than.

Chat Participant: Where do you come from, Emme?

Emme: I was born in Manhattan, lived in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, lived in Kent, Connecticut, went to Syracuse University, lived in Los Angeles, lived in Flagstaff, Arizona, lived in New York City again, and now in New Jersey. I got a full athletic scholarship from my high school to go to college, and it taught me a lot about stick-to-it-iveness. I got a lot of blisters on my hands, learned about how one can win and lose. And within that game you usually lose more than you win, but the winning is so sweet. I took that lesson and put it into my life, and that's where a lot of self-confidence came from. Trying new things. Sowing little wishes and seeds and waiting to see what would come up. And that's from my rowing experiences from when I was an athlete in college.

Chat Participant: Are women in Saudi Arabia as worried about their image and weight as women in America?

Emme: I did not have a lot of contact with the local Arab women. However, in Egypt, local newscasters in Cairo were told to lose weight. And in a general sense, Arab women are fuller as a culture. And it's esteemed. However, with the Westernization of Egypt as in Cairo, the newscasters were told to lose weight, and it made the Wall Street Journal in the uproar. So you see, the diet industry, as well as those industries that allow it and countries that allow it to permeate their culture, it's not only about making money, it can be a disservice to the people.

Chat Participant: Do you ever get any negative feedback from people?

Emme: The only type of negative feedback I would get is silence, and exclusion instead of inclusion in certain circles. But that's easy to handle; I have other groups to support me and to give me fuel to gently but diplomatically gain entry into those who don't want me. And it's not just me; it's what I represent.

Chat Participant: What do you think about organizations like Weight Watchers?

Emme: Buyer beware. I would say buyer beware in anything you have to do in weight loss.

Chat Participant: I think you are so pretty. What are your secrets?

Emme: My secret is good genetics! And the other thing to keep the genetics going is cleansing my face every single night, followed by moisturizer, 16 ounces of water, and at least six to seven hours a week of sleep. And exercise regularly to get your sweat pumping. Thank you very much for the compliment! I exercise with high repetitions, and very very low weights. I do that two times a week, I walk, I hike, I bike, I cross-country ski in the wintertime if we in New York could get snow. I love being outdoors, and I love having fun in my workouts, no longer just staying in the gym. Although I like the gym I'm at, I mix it up so I don't get bored.

Chat Participant: Emme, what clothes can I wear to make my middle seem flatter?

Emme: For a more rounded tummy, I would only suggest flat front panel pants. Khakis, jeans, and with skirts stay away from pleats. I always wear flat front paneled pants in all my outfits, and it makes my tummy look more streamlined.

Chat Participant: Emme, I am a plus size, living in North New Jersey, and would like to model. How/where do I start?

Emme: The requirements for being a full-figured model is you have to be 5'8" to 6 feet, in that range; you need to be a size 12, 14 or 16 proportioned, or if you want to do fit modeling, a proportionate size 18. Go to the top three modeling agencies in your area only, interview them all, and I would not suggest going to modeling schools. You have it or you don't. For any further information, you can contact my Web site at www.emmesupermodel.com, and we'll forward you some information.

Chat Participant: It's such a relief to turn on the TV and see a "real woman" like you instead of a stick figure. Thank you for all you do!

Chat Participant: I have many plus-size friends, and we are all big followers of your career. We subscribe to Mode magazine and were upset to find there were no plus-size models in the ads. We were thrilled when you got the Revlon contract. Was it a hard part of the business to get into?

Emme: Thank you very much for your support. Yes, indeed. It has been a challenge, but I believe that slow change is lasting change, and I cannot do it alone, so please keep up your support and using your voice. It's heard.

Chat Participant: What is your secret for your great attitude?

Emme: Thank you very much for your compliment. I have a good home life. I have so much fun, I have a good husband who supports my crazy ideas. And I try not to be perfect. I do the best that I can, and sometimes your ideas don't fly, but have fun in the whole journey. That is the idea. Life is short. Hang on for the ride.

Chat Participant: What kind of "crazy ideas"?

Emme: Story ideas and all, why not? Let's just do a story on a drag queen that wants a makeover. It turned out that a lot of drag queen friends I have were so happy because they found new information on how to update their looks on E! Entertainment Television. Another example, there was an idea of a nun that had just left the convent, and we found out that she wanted to have a fashion emergency because she did not have anything to wear. And I said, "This is a perfect fashion emergency. Let's throw a party for her." It was so funny. And through the crazy ideas, we had great success in the ratings. Bringing us all together, that we're very much the same, no matter what we do or who we are. We're so alike personally, picking up and running off to the beach on a moment's notice. And rescheduling everything for the next week. My husband loves that. Being impromptu. And carving out special time for us when everything is so crazy around us that we put ourselves at the top.

Chat Participant: Do you find that people still don't accept women of a non-thin size?

Emme: I think there's a lot of fat phobia in the public. We as a society are very thin-focused, and until we as individuals in the society figure out how we feel about ourselves, then the society will continue feeling the same feelings that they've done in the past. So we affect society. It's up to us to think about how we feel as ourselves in order for society to start changing their thoughts.

Chat Participant: Hi, Emme! It was so exciting to pick up People magazine and see how glamorously you were photographed! Keep sending the message to the world that women sized 14 and up are sexy and beautiful! Hope to meet you soon!

Chat Participant: Why is it that you are always referred to as "plus-size"? I feel that if reference need be made (which there really shouldn't), it should be more along the lines of "right-size" or "real-size." Keep up the good work!

Emme: I take the term plus-size as more of a term of education to know that I am different from other models you normally see in mass media. However, I do believe in the future that the labeling will not be necessary, because there will be such diversity in all mass media -- movies, magazines and advertisements -- that it would be stupid to label a plus-sized model or one that is not. It would just be matter-of-fact and obvious.

Chat Participant: Emme, do you feel that Mode Magazine does a good job of representing all body types and figures?

Emme: I believe that Mode Magazine is learning more and more about the diversity of ethnicity and body size and what particular image they want for their magazine. I believe they are starting out on the right foot. As with every new magazine, they have room to grow. Please let them know what your thoughts are. Their e-mail is modemag@aol.com

Chat Participant: I find it interesting that there is not a weight barrier for you to model, yet there is a height restriction of 5'8" and above.

Emme: Weight is not a good indication as to how proportionate you are or how it looks on your body frame. For someone like myself who is 200 pounds at 5 feet 11 inches, for someone else who is 5 feet 8 inches, it is different. Weight doesn't have to be an issue. It is how the clothes will look on someone who is 5'8" to 6 feet who fits into a size 12, 14 or 16. Weight is not an issue.

Chat Moderator: Do you struggle to keep your weight where it is at, or is that your natural size?

Emme: I am at a size that I've been consistent with for the last five years. I feel comfortable, I feel healthy, and I'm conscious about keeping my body strong and healthy so that I won't have problems with weak bones, with energy levels, and with excess fat (which causes other diseases). So I'm on top of it, but I eat when I'm hungry, I don't eat when I'm not hungry, and learning the difference changed my life. And there is one book I would suggest someone to pick up, and it is called "Intuitive Eating." You can get it at any bookstore. It's a great book for anyone who has any kind of disorder or problematic eating. Pass it to your friends, have groups get together and talk about it. It's a balance about being quiet for half an hour each day with meditation and no phones and fueling your body. Balancing all that. It's so important.

Chat Participant: How are you received by the other supermodels in the industry?

Emme: I'm received well. Like high fives. Like how did you do that, girl? Cindy Crawford is so warm and such a nice person and welcomed me with open arms to Revlon. I believe the women who would feel ill towards me are the women that have not yet grappled with their own issues of how they feel about themselves, and the acceptance thereof. Halle Berry and Salma Hayek are adorable. And they're so much fun. I just happen to be a foot and a half taller than both of them. So beautiful without any makeup on. Like, "Hello." It's unbelievable.

Chat Participant: What do you feel is the biggest problem with losing weight -- fat, calories or sugar?

Emme: I don't get into such specifics. If I equal the input to the output, you maintain. If you have high fat in the intake of your food, no matter how much you work out, it's hard to lose weight. If you are having trouble losing weight, you have to ask yourself a couple of questions: 1) Do you need to lose weight? 2) Am I actively involved in my life? 3) Am I eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods or processed foods? And am I being kind to myself? Are you concentrating too much on losing weight and not on your life you were meant to lead? Because when you change your behaviors of either a) overeating or b) undereating and balance out your lifestyle, your body will balance itself out.

Chat Participant: I want to tell the fashion industry to stop putting pleats on bigger size pants! They are impossible to find without pleats! (And that makes your stomach look bigger.)

Emme: I feel your pain. Do me a favor, and go on any survey asking questions of what you like and dislike in the clothing industry today. I would appreciate your comments. I think it's anysurvey@aol.com Please let your manufacturer know you don't want pleats, and you'll see by next season, they won't have them.

Chat Participant: I'm glad that designers are getting the message that everyone isn't size six and 100 pounds. But, how long will it take for most of the mail-order catalogs to use larger models?

Emme: I hear this over and over and over again. And if I keep on repeating myself about using your voice. This is one area where your voice will be heard. I was told that the customers like buying clothes off of thinner women, which doesn't make a lot of sense, because the proportion is askew. I wonder if it's the manufacturer's issue of shooting larger women in their clothes. What do you think?

Chat Participant: What I want to know is why the major department stores aren't carrying more for the fuller-figured woman.

Emme: The Federated department stores, Macy's, JCPenney, Sears, the big department stores should be carrying a whole department of fuller-figured clothes. In the last five years, this particular area in retail has increased exponentially. Lots and lots of money is being made in this past-neglected area in fashion. However, there is still more room to grow.

Chat Participant: How do we get our voice heard? Where do we start?

Emme: One of the ways to use your voice is you can e-mail be at emmesurvey@aol.com and let me know about your thoughts about clothing. Or/and you can write Mode Magazine at modemag@aol.com And/or write your department stores, magazines and other venues what it is you want to see, what it is you will not take anymore, and what you demand to have as a customer.

Chat Participant : How do you stay motivated to exercise and eat healthy and lead a balanced life? I often find that with my busy schedule, it's difficult to stay motivated.

Emme: I used to be an all-or-nothing gal, myself, Before I understood that it was my responsibility to take care of myself and have fun doing it. So if I skip a day of working out or doing something for myself physically, I really work hard not to beat myself up. And to not make food an issue. I eat chocolate. I replenish my M&M peanut jar. I have it in my house, and I've learned I can have a little bit and I'll always have something for me the next time there. It's learning your own balance, and that you are more than just the food you eat and the exercise that you do, but that helps you become more of a whole person. It's some of the tools to help you become a better person in life. You are more than your dress size. And again, do not measure yourself on a bathroom scale. We have to remember to celebrate our intelligence, our creative thoughts, of our own and those around us.

Emme: I'm 5 feet 11 inches.

Chat Participant: I just wish the designers would get a clue we all don't look like Cindy, and cater to the larger woman's needs.

Chat Participant: Do you enjoy modeling?

Emme: Modeling gave me such a wonderful opportunity to travel around the world, make good money, in a relatively easy profession. It also was a great stepping-stone for me to get to where I am today. And for that I am grateful. I love what I do now.

Chat Participant: So what is your show on ABC going to be like?

Emme: I can't discuss it at this time. I can't discuss the specifics right now, but I am so excited. It's going to be a lot of fun. It's going to inspire, it's going to unite thought, and it's going to teach me a few things. Hopefully it will help us realize we are all very much the same.

Chat Moderator: Emme, who is your role model?

Emme: Wow. There are so many people that are my role models; I would say that right now, in this particular part of my life, my brother-in-law. My brother-in-law had three brain tumor removals, and he continues to see the brighter side of life despite the handicap he's left with. He continues to be the most incredible person with the best heart around. When I realized I might be complaining about nothing, I feel like a fool and say, "What the heck am I complaining for?" He put a lot of perspective back into my life. On a professional note, Oprah rocks. I love that she's changed the way big business sees their profits. I love that she has initiated change with compassion, and to me she is my role model. The sister that she is.

Chat Participant: I only wish I could look like you!

Emme: Celebrate yourself!

Chat Participant: Do you see a trend heading away from waif models towards healthier, "real women" models?

Emme: I certainly hope so. What I would like to see is more diversity and body types. I would like to see women who are thin, women who are medium-sized and women who are larger gracing magazines, in movies, and in higher-level corporate jobs in America. I think it's our time as women to celebrate each other, and instead of buying into this catfight that we are taught to believe in, which I think is completely untrue.

Chat Moderator: Any last thoughts, Emme?

Emme: Get your mammograms done! Look after your health. Enjoy your journey and try something new this year. Please. And pass on your passion to someone who needs it.

Chat Moderator: Thanks, Emme, for joining today for this chat for women's health month at CNN.com. Visit our chat calendar for a complete list of future events and past chat transcripts.