The Skyscraper hitmaker has posed for the cover of the latest issue of the U.S. title in a sparkling mini-dress which barely covers her breasts, and reports suggest many stores have been asked to cover it up while it is on the shelves.

However, Lovato, who has suffered from eating disorders in the past, has now fired back and insisted the racy image should be shown to help empower other women.

In a message posed on her Twitter.com page, she writes, "What these individuals who are protesting don't understand is that for the first time in a long time I feel incredibly empowered and the most beautiful I've ever felt on this magazine (cover).

"It's so liberating to be able to show the world how confident a woman can be once she learns to love herself. It took soul searching and a bit of time before I learned to embrace my body therefore I could not have been more excited to do this shoot. I think what's more important is showing women there's nothing wrong with embracing their bodies and sexuality. I am confident in my own skin and a proud Cosmopolitan cover girl! #unwrapmycosmo."