Plus-size Barbie doll on modeling site sparks controversy over female body image

Body image has long been a controversial topic for women all across the world and the subject just got a little more interesting.

Plus-Size-Modeling.com recently posed the million dollar question: if we have plus-size women modeling clothes, why not have plus-size Barbies?

But the site didn't stop there. Plus-Size-Modeling.com posted a photo of an illustration of a plus-size Barbie-like doll.

The image was featured in an illustration contest on Worth1000.com. The site allows artists compete in daily creative competitions.

The Barbie image won a contest called "Feeding Time 9" back in 2011. The image was created by an artist who goes by the name bakalia.

The image, which has over 35,000 "likes" on Facebook, caused quite a controversy among social media users.

The plus-size doll depicts Barbie with a double-chin and curvier limbs. Users complained that the illustrator went a little overboard with its depiction of a larger Barbie.

One commenter had this to say:

"No one is naturally fat for gods sake, that's sending the message to girls that it's ok to look like this and be unhealthy..."

Another noted this:

"Imo this is horrible. Maybe make her a little fuller,but in no way promote obesity. Triple chins?? Really?? Im a curvy girl,but come on this is ridiculous."

It looks as though an illustration that was created with good intentions has seemingly back fired.

What do you think of a plus-size Barbie? Do you think it's a good idea to create dolls with a more diverse range of bodies?