Worried about 5 1/2 yr old DD saying she's fat...

[OneDove]

My daughter is very independent and dresses herself each morning. She sleays checks her outfit in my mirror each morning. I noticed today when looking in the mirror checking her outfit she said to herself 'hmmm I look a bit fat'. I was horrified but didn't quite know what to say. I should mention she is a slim girl anyway.
I just pulled her over and gave her a big cuddle and told her she looked beautiful.
What on earth do I do? I am really worried. Is this the start of something?

Always checks. Sorry typo!

I don't know what to say, really. It's scary.
I teach in year 1 and 'fat' is like a swear word in the class. I described a pen as 'fat' and there was an intake of breath and a lot of of 'Oh my gosh - she said 'fat!' whisperings. It seems that we are warping our children to believe that being fat is the worst thing that anyone can ever be. That she is worrying that she is is frightening.

I think you did the right thing - but I have no idea how I would tackle this. I am pregnant at the moment and a bit scared of having a daughter because of things like this. We've gone seriously wrong as a society for little girls to be judging themselves like this.