Sometimes, it seems like everything is about being skinny -- juice cleanses will cut calories, yoga will keep you in tip-top shape and there's always a new diet to try. But all the attention placed on being thin is exhausting, not to mention dangerous. That's why we are so inspired by the rising profiles and embrace of plus-size models in the fashion industry today.

From penning articles about the public's severely unhealthy obsession with size to creating model workshops aimed at helping girls of every shape reach their runway dreams, plus-size models are shaking up the fashion game and redefining the rules of modeling. It's about time.

Here are ten models making a major impact today.

1. Jennie Runk

Runk is pretty new to the modeling scene, but she is already making headlines. In April, she modeled for H&M's swimsuit line and became the company's first plus-size model to sport its clothing. Pretty impressive, especially considering she was modeling the typically curve-resistant category of swimwear.

H&M's choice to use Runk created quite a stir, enough that Runk decided to pen a moving essay for BBC about the shoot. She stated in the essay that all the attention the campaign received was an "awkward surprise." She also offered possibly the best advice we've heard yet to young girls struggling with body image issues:

    "I feel compelled to show girls who are going through the same thing that it's acceptable to be different. You will grow out of this awkwardness fabulously. Just focus on being the best possible version of yourself and quit worrying about your thighs, there's nothing wrong with them."

2. Saffi Karina

In April, it was announced that British model Karina would be starting the UK's first-ever plus-size model workshop. Curve Project London features mentoring, hair and makeup sessions, photo shoots, runway lessons, casting tips and experience working with stylists for girls who want to make it in the biz at any size.

We can't think of anyone more fitting for this role, given that Karina is a former "regular" model who decided to switch to plus-size after her agency dropped her for her changing body. Karina explains her goal wonderfully:

    "I want to strive to endorse a positive body image and act as a role model to young women who previously thought ‘thin’ was the only way to get a foot over the fashion threshold."

3. Crystal Renn

We have so much respect for models who switch from "straight-size" to plus-size to improve their health (and their grip on reality). Case in point: Crystal Renn, who said that she switched to the plus-size game after realizing traditional modeling had saddled her with a crippling eating disorder. She's since spoken out about her experience and the problem with fashion's challenging standards.

At the "Inside the Modeling Industry: A Conversation About Health and Beauty in Fashion" panel in February, Crystal stated that designers should change the sample size to eight instead of zero:

    "By having a size 8 sample, you are giving freedom to a designer. Most of the models are going to be size 6s and 8s, and you could have 10s, and if a really amazing model walked in who was a size 0, you would tailor the dress down to her."

4. Justine LeGault

Oh, how refreshing it is when major fashion magazines take the plunge and put a beautiful model with a fuller figure on the cover. Elle Quebec did just that when it cast LeGault for its May 2013 cover. The Canadian model expressed her joy at the magazine's decision on her Facebook:

    The fact that I only got positive feedback about my ELLE cover truly makes me happy. It seems people aren't so shocked anymore to see curves in the medias [sic]. This is great news!