The contestants were proud to be "big and beautiful". They were not afraid to pile on extra pounds by eating pastries just before the show. [CCTV.com]

Beauty queens - they come in all shapes and sizes.

Their weights fluctuate between the minimum requirement of 80 kilograms up to 120 kilograms.

The big-girl-band Oh Mama also helped to cheer the pageant contestants on. The band consists of five former contestants.

The night's winner was 22-year-old Khani Yirmiyahu from Beersheba. She was one of the smallest participants, weighing only 80 kilograms.

Khani Yirmiyahu, 2008 Fat Beauty Queen, said, "Every woman should enjoy the competition and love herself just the way she is. Thank you."

The new queen is currently studying for her university entrance test, and works in the Israeli train industry.

She loves music and makeup and is currently single. She says that every woman should love her body regardless of size.

(CCTV November 5, 2008)