Melissa McCarthy Wants Women To Embrace Their Body Types

Melissa McCarthy wants women to love themselves for who they are, no matter what their size.

“There’s an epidemic in our country of girls and women feeling bad about themselves based on what .5 percent of the human race looks like,” the Ghostbusters star, 45, says in the April issue of Redbook. “It starts very young. My message is that as long as everybody’s healthy, enjoy and embrace whatever body type you have.”

The comedian hopes her two daughters, Vivian, 8, and Georgette, 6, will never have to face criticism about their bodies.

“Give me your best punch in the face, and I’ll take that punch, rather than have my kid feel bad about herself,” she told the magazine.

The actress turned fashion designer hopes her clothing line will make women of all shapes and sizes feel both comfortable and stylish.

“A good portion of women in America are size 14 and higher. I just try to make clothing that’ll make all women feel really good,” said McCarthy.

Finding clothes that she herself feels comfortable in affects her overall mood, and she hopes she can bring that joy to other women.

“When I feel good about my clothes, I’m more patient with my kids. I don’t beep at the guy in his car texting in front of me,” said McCarthy. “I look at the world a little differently. The small happy moments add up. A little bit of joy goes a long way.”

This article originally appeared on People.com