The reality star reveals she often hid behind her purse on camera to mask insecurities about her body as a teenager.

Kristin Cavallari Reflects on Her Teen Years

November 5, 2025: Kristin Cavallari is opening up about a deeply personal chapter from her past — her struggle with body image during her time on Laguna Beach. In a candid new interview, the former reality star revealed that while filming the MTV hit as a teenager, she often felt insecure about her body and went to great lengths to hide those feelings from the cameras.

“I used to hold my purse in front of my stomach all the time,” Cavallari shared, recalling her early years on reality TV. “I was so self-conscious. I thought I looked fat, and looking back now, it breaks my heart that I ever felt that way.”

Her revelation sheds light on the pressure young women face growing up in the public eye — especially in the early 2000s, when body image ideals were heavily influenced by media portrayals of “perfection.”

A Glimpse Behind the Reality TV Curtain

Cavallari joined Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County at just 17 years old, instantly becoming one of the show’s standout personalities. But while fans saw a confident and outspoken teenager, behind the scenes she was quietly battling insecurity.

“The show captured so much of our lives, but it didn’t capture how hard it was emotionally,” she explained. “We were thrown into a world of cameras, editing, and public perception before we even understood who we were.”

Cavallari said that being on TV amplified her self-doubt, especially since social media was beginning to emerge as a new avenue for public scrutiny. “You start comparing yourself constantly,” she added. “It’s a dangerous cycle, and at that age, you don’t have the tools to process it.”

Learning to Love Herself

Now 38, Cavallari says her perspective on body image has evolved dramatically. As a mother of three and successful entrepreneur, she has learned to embrace balance and self-acceptance. “I love my body now because I focus on what it can do, not just what it looks like,” she shared. “Health and confidence are my priorities — not perfection.”

She hopes her openness will inspire younger fans who may be facing similar struggles. “If I could go back and talk to that girl on Laguna Beach, I’d tell her she was beautiful and enough just as she was,” Cavallari said. “We all deserve to feel that way.”

Fans Applaud Her Honesty

Following her comments, fans flooded social media with messages of support, praising Cavallari for her vulnerability and honesty. Many credited her for using her platform to spark conversations about body positivity and self-image.

Kristin Cavallari’s reflection offers a powerful reminder that even those who seem most confident may be fighting unseen battles — and that healing often comes with time, growth, and self-love.