Storm Keating hits back after being accused of 'promoting a negative body image'

Storm Keating has hit back after being accused of "promoting a negative body image" after posting a photo of herself on the beach.

The Instagram photo in question saw her sport a yellow bikini as she held hands with four-year-old son Cooper, the eldest of the two children she shares with husband Ronan Keating, as they strolled across a sandy beach.

In a new post, the 39-year-old said she had received "judgmental comments" about her "slight frame".

"Last week I posted a photo of myself with my son on the beach. I was taken aback when my post was met by a few judgmental comments about my body size," she wrote.

Read more: Storm Keating has emergency surgery in 'most frightening week'

"At first I wasn’t all that bothered because I know how these things go, but when the post kept getting traction & then the press started writing about it too, I’ve decided it would be constructive to address it. Not just for me, but for all women who are in a similar position to myself in one way or another."

The mother-of-two went on to say she was "not a stranger" to people judging her body, as she's been thin for her "entire life".

Keating explained: "As a kid I adopted unflattering nicknames like Skelator, Toothpick & Twiggy & was made to feel like a boy for not having curves & boobs.

"I was insecure about my body for many years & didn’t feel feminine or ‘womanly’ because there is a strong message perpetuated that this is what it takes to look like a “real women”(sic).

"As I got older I started enjoying the upside of having “skinny genes” and today feel grateful that I can eat what I want, when I want, and without having to worry about dieting or regular exercise routines.

Watch: Miley Cyrus 'scarred' by body shaming comments after 2013 VMAs

She added that "some people assume that all women with slight frames don't eat", which is "simply not true" and can be "offensive".

Read more: Stacey Solomon announces pregnancy

"One comment on my previous post claimed that the photo of my son & I on the beach was promoting negative body image, which basically implies that I shouldn’t post photos of myself and my children at the beach because of the way I look when wearing a swimsuit. That is absurd & rude.

"These kinds of comments are counterproductive in an era where we are trying to encourage women to feel comfortable in their own skin and accept that women come in all shapes and sizes - just because we might be larger or skinnier than the 'norm' doesn’t mean we are unhealthy.

"There is nothing unhealthy about me or my diet & I’d like to think that I promote a positive social media presence that focuses on wholesome values, family, kindness & love," Keating said.

The message was accompanied by another picture of Keating in swimwear, as she appeared to be enjoying herself beside a pool.

She received supportive messages in the comments from her followers, including singer and fellow Australian Natalie Imbruglia who said: "Go Stormy ❤️✨ set em’ straight … 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼."

"👏👏👏 you look beautiful darling ❤️," said presenter Ashley James.

Meanwhile, husband Ronan wrote: "Love you my girl. My world. Beautiful inside and out."

Watch: What you need to know about Meghan's book