Whitney Port has a "complex relationship with food and body image".

The Hills star, 40, has opened up about her body image issues in a candid question and answer sessions with fans on Instagram and she admitted she doesn't want her social media posts to influence youngsters who may be struggling with similar problems.

One of her followers asked: "Do you think your body glorifies an unhealthy body image for girls?" and Whitney replied: "I totally understand this question, and I appreciate you asking it with care.

"I know I'm thin - it's how my body has mostly always been - but that doesn't mean I don't have my own complex relationship with food and body image.

"I continue to work with a nutritionist to help support a healthy relationship with eating and my body, and that journey is ongoing.

"I never want my appearance to make anyone feel like they need to look a certain way - especially young kids."

She went on to add: "I share my life as honestly as I can, but I also recognize how powerful images can be.

"Health and beauty come in so many different forms, and i try to be mindful of that in what I put out into the world.

"I'm always open to learning and doing better, especially as a mom to a son who's growing up in this same world."

Another fan asked Whitney how she is dealing with changes to her appearance as she's "getting older" and the TV star replied: "Physically, it's been a challenge to look at myself and not judge or expect things to look the way they used to.

"I started noticing the biggest changes around 38, especially in my skin - some sagging and crepiness - and that's taken some getting used to.

"Living in LA, where the obsession with staying young is so intense, it's easy to get caught up in it. I'm trying really hard not to let that happen. I want to care without being consumed".

However, Whitney is adamant she's feeling stronger emotionally as she ages. She explained: "Emotionally, getting older has felt really good. There's more awareness, more perspective, and a deeper sense of who I am.

"I care less about things that used to take up way too much space in my head - and that part has been such a gift."