Russian model Natalia Vodianova does not understand why models are criticized for being too thin.

“It’s better to be skinny than to be fat,” the seven time British Vogue covergirl said bluntly, while appearing on a panel at London’s 2012 Vogue Festival this weekend. The panel was comprised of fellow models Lily Cole, Eva Herzigova and Jourdan Dunn.

According to the Telegraph, a large percentage of the event was dedicated to discussing body image after British Vogue’s executive fashion director commented, “It’s undeniable that models are very thin, expected to be very thin, and thinner than 99.9 percent of the population.”

While Herzigova said that models are “just born with” a slim physique, Vodianova quickly jumped in explaining that maintaining her trim body is a conscious choice — one she works hard on.

“I respect my body, my body is my temple,” she said, quoting a common adage before speaking candidly. “If I eat like a pig, I am going to feel like a pig. Sometimes I have a huge, delicious five-star dinner with my grandparents with seven courses. In the morning you wake up and you feel like [bleep]. If I feel like that, okay, I am not going to be able to feel good about myself.”

When her fellow models began singing the praises of other body shapes, Vodianova cut them off.

“C’mon guys, you know it’s better to be skinny than to be fat,” she said.

In a bizarre twist, the model’s comment was greeted with applause, the newspaper reports.