Miley Cyrus believes that she is a source of empowerment for women.

The US singer has become a massive talking point this year for a number of racy exploits - such as twerking provocatively at the MTV VMAs - which many believe went too far.

Commentators have also noted Cyrus's change in image from her Hannah Montana days to her more sexualised look today.

Speaking to the British Cosmopolitan, however, the 'We Can't Stop' lady claimed that she feels a force for good when it comes to women and rights because she isn't "typically beautiful".

Cyrus said: "I'm a feminist in the way that I'm really empowering to women…I'm loud and funny, and not typically beautiful.

"When do I feel at my sexiest? After I've eaten something really healthy and done Pilates, and I'm wearing tight leggings. When I'm in gym clothes I actually feel sexy and healthy, so sometimes I'll stay in them all day!"

Speaking meanwhile about her loyalty, Cyrus said: "I'm good to work with. I'm proud of that; I have a good reputation. I'm a really loyal person and if I dig you, I'm all the way down. But if you f**k me over, I'm all the way up. It's like, once shame on you, twice shame on me. You're the dumb one if you let someone back into your life and they s**t on you again."

The December issue of the British Cosmopolitan meanwhile will be released on November 7.