Why is there such a need to define size?

Recently a plus-size model was featured on the front of People magazine with the quote: “I’m proud of my size.”
Robyn Lawley is 6’2″ and is a Size 12.
Wikipedia features Robyn in a photo and mentions her throughout the plus-size model article. Also mentioned is: Synonymous and interchangeable with plus-size model is “full-figured model,” “extended-sizes model,” and “outsize model.”
Where do I begin? First, a woman who is at least 6 feet tall and a Size 12 is considered plus size? Wow! Then I was definitely a fatso years ago before I lost my 30+ pounds at 5’3″.
Second, I find the term plus size offensive. The other terms mentioned above I find even worse than plus size.
Why is there a need to define someone who has excess weight, curves, a big butt, thicker thighs, is tall, isn’t super skinny? We don’t call thin models a super-skinny model. They are just models.
In October of 2006 I was at my highest weight ever. I didn’t feel good about myself. I hated shopping and buying clothes because I had to try them on and nothing ever looked good. I wasn’t obese but could definitely be healthier with some weight loss. I decided to join Weight Watchers. Between my doctor and my leader at WW we came up with a safe and achievable goal weight.
Seven months later I was down 30+ pounds.
I am pear-shaped and curvy on bottom. I have a tiny waist and a bigger butt and hips. It is just how I was built. Sometimes it is difficult to find pants that fit. But other than that I like my curves and the fact that I have a butt (even if at times I can’t squeeze it in to pants or a skirt).
I am proud of my body. I hope other women are as well and don’t base their bodies on the airbrushed ones in magazines or what society tells us what a beautiful body is or isn’t.
Before I lost weight I wore pants/bottoms anywhere from Size 10-14. Now I wear Size 4-8. Styles and quality of clothes will vary what size a person wears. If I wear something from Ann Taylor I tend to wear a 4. If I wear something from H&M I tend to wear an 8.
I never considered myself plus size. Just someone whose metabolism did a 180 when I hit 25 and became sedentary with a desk job. And don’t forget the life of a copy editor–working second shift, getting a lot of meals on the go, staying up late, getting up late …
It took me seven years to put on 30 pounds. And it took me seven months to take it off.
Once while waiting in the waiting room at the doctor’s office I picked up a magazine and realized all the women were not super skinny, but shapely and curvy women. I was so excited to see this. I flipped back to the cover and realized it was a plus-size magazine. Imagine my disappointment.
Feminspire has this to say: Are cellulite, stretch marks, plump bellies, round shoulders, soft cheeks, and a fleshy butt too much to ask for? … We all see women and men of different sizes every day, why should it be any different in ads and magazine spreads?
As this article states, confidence is definitely sexy. I totally agree … but why is it necessary to to put a label on Robyn? And why is it important to make sure it is known that she isn’t tiny or skinny or small or petite?
Personally I think curves on a woman are what “real women” are all about. I realize some people are just naturally “skinny” or thin. But most women have curves, a butt, thick thighs, love handles, cellulite, saddle bags on the arms, etc.
Robyn is a beautiful woman. I am glad that she is an example for girls, teens, young women and women like me. Feeling good about yourself and being confident are so important for all of us.
The Mail Online starts their article with this line:  … Robyn Lawley has become somewhat of supernova in the fashion industry, defying ideals of thinness equals beauty to star on the world’s most covetable magazine covers and ad campaigns.
I think it is important to be healthy and a safe weight. Healthy, safe and realistic is different for everyone. But at the same time one shouldn’t obsess or compare themselves to anyone else. If your body is not supposed to be a Size 2 (which most bodies aren’t) be OK with that and find the size that fits you best.
According to a blog on WebMD (written by a doctor), the average American woman is 5’4″, has a waist size of 34-35 inches and weighs between 140-150 pounds, with a dress size of 12-14. So the average women is what is referred to as plus size? Huh?