Plus-Size Barbie Photos Spark Body Image Debate, Criticism - See more at: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/page-2.html#sthash.A7tDrdkR.dpuf

Plus-size models and modeling have gained a lot of traction in 2013, as they a purpose beyond marketing plus-size clothing to a growing market.

They also provide women with a more diverse range of bodies to look up to, which potentially improves self-confidence, body image and social norms.

So if we have plus-size models ... should plus-size Barbies be next? That's the question posed recently by Plus-Size-Modeling (dot) com on Facebook ...

The illustration of a plus-size Barbie doll actually comes from a contest on Worth1000.com, a site where artists compete in daily creative competitions.

The image, created by artist bakalia, won a contest called "Feeding Time 9."

But when re-posted last week by Plus-Size-Modeling (dot) com, the depiction of Barbie with a double chin and a curvier physique sparked debate.

Over 35,000 people have "liked" it, but many criticize it, asking whether society should be praising being overweight any more than being too skinny.

Maria Kang has yet to weigh in ... but we know where she stands.