Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu was targeted online because of her weight gain

New York, Aug 5 : Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu has admitted that she has gained weight since she was named in December however, she isnt averse to the change.

However, it was online bullying that afflicted her, and she "broke down" numerous times.

"Physically Ive sort of increased in size, gained pounds and gained weight which I am completely at ease with," the Indian-born beauty queen said to People.The 22-year-old said: "I was bullied for increasing my weight.It was sort of uncomfortable and also a bit shocking for me to observe how people began to form opinions, which shouldnt really be an issue.

" "Its not all about how you appear its about who are inside, and the way you interact with others and the beliefs you hold in." She claims that prior to the event eating and exercising were focused on winning "I was totally focused on my goal, and I was (not) thinking about my health," Sandhu said "The all the period of working out taking part in various activities, and right after winning, I had nearly one month to unwind." "During the time, I really did not exercise and was eating and enjoying the time with my family," the former Miss Universe says "I did not realize that it would begin to show in my body.

" Certain of the comments on social media were extremely cruel "I definitely fell down a few times,"" Sandhu admits."Sometimes in the most unexpected moments.

Im getting ready to perform or something and this entire thing pops up in my head.Its really sad." Sandhu gained weight, but also experienced a lack of energy A physician confirmed her with allergies she didnt know she had "I have an allergy to gluten," Sandhu shares "I cant eat wheat or anything that has wheat in it.In addition I also have a soy allergies (and) coconut allergy." "Im sensitive to egg yolks and kind of realized this when I arrived in New York," the actress and model says "Because (eggs are considered) vegetarian, and is referred to as non-vegetarian in India.

It took me some time to realize that the things that I was allergic to, I eating.I didnt even know.

" The 70th Miss Universe title holder has taken control of her health her outlook has changed "Ive been through the phase of my life in which I was feeling bad about everything," Sandhu says."Now Ive started to love everything.Its fine to cry.Its normal to feel sad." Sandhu hopes that sharing her story will aid others struggling with the image of their body and self-love "We all have flaws," she says "We need to realize that theres a point at which we recognize that we have to accept our weaknesses and once youve done you will be able to overcome everything in the world." dc/svn.