GREENSBORO—An internet sensation from North Carolina, whose YouTube video inspired a reality TV show, continues to make national headlines with a brand new book.

Whitney Way Thore's success all started with the video she called "Fat Girl Dancing."

"At first, I really didn't like the idea because of the word 'fat,'” Thore said. “Then I thought about it, and I was like, 'Well, don't I, more than any other person on the planet, know that fat doesn't mean something bad."

It resonated with more than 8.5 million people, along with producers at TLC.

"In January of 2015, the first season of 'My Big Fat Fabulous Life' aired, so it's still kind of surreal,” Thore said.

The show just launched its third season. It documents Whitney's weight loss, along with her body positivity movement.

"Love yourself, live fully, no excuses, no shame,” she said. “It is for every single person on this planet, because we’ve all had something society teaches us we should feel ashamed for. I believe we are capable of living our lives in the bodies we have right now."

It’s a message that resonates in countries across the globe. The show is seen in every continent, except Antarctica.

“It's not a weight loss story, it's not a competition show,” Thore said. “It's more authentic than that. If someone, anyone, can turn on the TV and see someone who is like them, struggles like them, loves like them—that to me is worth all the bad stuff."

Several places in and around the Gate City have been put in the national spotlight on the TV show, including The Greensboro Dance Theatre, where Whitney teaches a class.

"I really love the opportunity to represent North Carolina,” she said.

Her new book is called “I Do It With the Lights On."

Thore hopes it shares even more of her message to love yourself.

You can catch Whitney on "My Big Fat Fabulous Life" Wednesday nights at 9 on TLC.