Shawn Johnson Weight Loss: Photos of the Gymnast Who Lost 25 Pounds [PICTURES]

The 2012 Summer Olympics are just around the corner, and one of the more famous Americans are planning to compete in the games is making headlines.

United States gymnast Shawn Johnson partook in the 2008 Olympics, and is making the trip to London for this year's games. But this time, she's making news about her life away from gymnastics.

Johnson talked to reporters on Monday about issues with her weight and body image. The 20-year-old said she lost 25 pounds during the period between the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. Johnson says she lost the weight after getting heavier in 2010.

Johnson participated in Dancing with the Stars in 2009, which she went on to win. The following year, she tore her ACL while skiing. Johnson put on some weight when she wasn't able to exercise.

The gymnast says she received criticism, and says it was tough for her to deal with all the internet gossip.

That whole process kind of broke me down and taught me something, Johnson said Monday. People put too much emphasis on looks.

We're taught at such a young age that you can always be better and that you're never perfect and that you're never good enough. You find your worth in someone else and what they say just from having looked at you. It's hard, she said. I was at the Olympic Games winning medals and I still doubted my image. I doubted what I looked like. That's sad. Girls should be taught different than that. I think everyone should be taught different than that.

Johnson won three gold medals and one silver medal in the 2008 Games.