For most of us, the idea of being filmed and photographed for public viewing in our underwear would land somewhere between public speaking and dying as grisly death as the things we’d least like to do. But for a Victoria’s Secret model, it’s all in a days work, and so is the dieting that goes with it.

Although she looked simply stunning at last year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, supermodel Karolina Kurkova has come under harsh criticism for her fuller-than-usual figure over recent months. The 24-year-old was unfairly blasted by the Brazilian media for her “cellulite and love handles” after walking in Sao Paulo Fashion Week in June, and was then harshly dubbed “too fat” by fashion critics following the lavish lingerie show in November.

Kurkova has told Tarts in the past that her diet is comprised mainly of fresh vegetables, salad and protein. But for several weeks leading up to last year’s Miami show, an inside source said that the supermodel cut carbs altogether, and worked out for hours in an effort to keep up with other super-slim Angels Heidi Klum, Adriana Lima, Miranda Kerr and Marisa Miller.

“She was exhausted and didn’t get down to where she wanted to be,” said the pal.

Apparently her weight woes may have more to do with a medical condition than with just a lack of willpower. According to an insider, Kurkova joins the ranks of 27 million Americans who suffer from the thyroid disorder hypothyroidism, which interferes with the body’s metabolism.

Fox

Fox adds that Karolina was kept off of press materials leading up to the show, in case she didn’t shift the weight.

I can see that, from Victoria’s Secret point of view, Karolina needs to be looking slim and cellulite free in order to have inspirational appeal and sell the underwear. They want people to be talking about how great their knickers look, not how fat the models are. ‘Fat’ being a subjective term. A fat model is actually a skinny adolescent in the real world. However, Karolina looked anything but fat at last years show.

If it is indeed true that Karolina keeps to a strict diet and models while battling a thyroid condition, she should be given a medal. Or at least be made head angel.

Karolina Kurkova is shown at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show on 11/15/08. Credit: WENN