Valeria Levitina, now 39, is known as the thinnest woman in the world—an extreme and heartbreaking example of how dangerous eating disorders can be.

Her struggle began at 16, after moving to Chicago. Hoping to fit in and pursue a modeling career, she went on a drastic diet following constant criticism about her body. What started as a desire to be slimmer spiraled into a life-threatening battle with anorexia.

Her health has suffered so much that she can’t even remember the taste of bread. But Valeria now uses her story to raise awareness, speaking out against the societal pressure that led her down this path. Despite everything, she holds onto one dream: becoming a mother—something she hopes will give her the strength to recover.

Her message to young girls is simple but powerful: never let society define your worth.