Mischa Barton has brushed aside her body issues to strip for a racy new magazine cover shoot. The former The O.C. actress poses topless for the May issue of the U.K.'s Cosmopolitan, covering her breasts with her arms and hair.

The 23-year-old actress was criticized for sporting a fuller figure last year after she was photographed with cellulite on her legs. But she has slimmed down three dress sizes since her September split from Rooney guitarist Taylor Locke, and Barton admits she is finally confident enough with her figure to show it off.

She says, "The only way to be happy and be a more enjoyable person to be around is to embrace what you've got. Everyone has issues about their body, but I feel confident now. I'm healthy and happy."

And the star is still baffled by the attention the cellulite shots garnered, because everyone has their flaws.

She adds, "Surely there are more important issues than if someone has cellulite? I don't understand the point of people looking for bad things. Why bother? I know it's human nature to want to pick on other people, but I find it a little shallow."

See more photos of Mischa here!

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)