Raquel Gimenez hugs a contestant before the Miss Gordita beauty pageant begins in Asuncion, Paraguay. Gimenez was the 2015 winner of the pageant, which translates to "Miss Chubby" in English. It was started to fight discrimination and improve the contestants' health.
Luis Cobelo
Contestant Bianca Valdez walks in a park in Asuncion. Each contestant sees a nutritionist, a psychologist and an image consultant three months before the fashion show part of the pageant. They are taught better eating habits and how to be more comfortable in their skin.
Luis Cobelo
Contestant Ruth Peralta lies down in her room. Photographer Luis Cobelo said many of the women emerged from counseling sessions changed and didn't mind showing off for the camera.
Luis Cobelo
Isabel Sosa, a 2015 contestant, takes a selfie in May. She was on the jury for the 2016 pageant.
Luis Cobelo
Contestant Micaela Arce has her hair done a few hours before the pageant.
Luis Cobelo
Mirley Espinosa, front, and Adelaida Anaquin dance on a bus as the contestants make their way to the pageant.
Luis Cobelo
Contestants wait backstage for the casual-wear portion of the pageant.
Luis Cobelo
Contestants make their last preparations backstage.
Luis Cobelo
Mirley Espinosa waits for the swimwear part of the pageant.
