AS the size zero controversy rumbles on, tonight a new ITV documentary, starring Louise Redknapp, exposes the truth behind the effects of extreme dieting.

The pop singer, a healthy size 8, shrinks to a size zero - UK size 4 - in just 30 days.

The trend, sparked by images of super-skinny stars and models, has created a worldwide storm, with celebrities like Nicole Ritchie, Victoria Beckham and Lindsay Lohan being picked apart for their ever-decreasing waistlines.

It has also prompted fashion show organisers to ban size zero models.

While the furore shows no sign of dying down, how does it feel to face such criticism when you are a size zero?

Here, Glasgow student Jennifer Archer, 22, gives us her view SIZE ZERO: How can such a small number cause such a big problem? For someone of this size, I would be lying if I said I didn't feel offended when reading about the criticism facing these skinny celebs.

What about the women who are naturally very slim, and lucky enough to be able to eat until their heart's content without piling on the pounds?

Should they be made to feel guilty about their size and be deemed unsuitable' for public display?

Of course, it is both wrong and unfair to promote the image that skinny is beautiful, and worrying to think that young girls may believe that being a size zero is the key to happiness.

For me, a recent fitting for a bridesmaid's dress sparked my own size zero debate.

When trying on a size 8 gown, I was left red faced as it fell to the floor. The same scenario was repeated with the size 6.

As I made my way down the sizes I began feeling slightly anxious about what exactly I would end up wearing to the wedding. When I eventually tried on the size zero, it fitted me like a glove.

Just as well, otherwise I would have been wearing a dress from the children's collection to my sister's wedding - at the age of 22.

For the past couple of years, my weight and my size have remained much the same. People are often amazed at how much I eat, with the phrase, "Where do you put it" constantly ringing in my ears.

Meal times have always been a family affair, and I have grown up on hearty, home-cooked meals.

Yet I have no concerns whatsoever about my size. My mother was the same size as me when she was first married, so I guess I am just small made.

However, with such a small frame, it can be difficult finding clothes which fit me. On a recent shopping trip to a popular Spanish-based high street store, I was surprised to find clothes in a size 4 - the equivalent of a US size zero. One shirt I tried on fitted perfectly.

Obviously, not everyone is naturally thin, and a model starving herself in order to squeeze into clothes which would be snug on an eight-year-old shouldn't be a role model for young girls.

These models are put on pedestals and therefore have a responsibility to behave sensibly, which means being healthy.

Size matters, there is no question about that. Being small, I do worry sometimes that I am not taken seriously as an adult - would a couple of extra inches or the addition of a few pounds make a difference?

In all honestly though, I love being this size. For me, what is important is health, and if healthy is a size zero for one person, then so be it.

The Truth About Size Zero STV, 9pm