My goodness. It’s amazing how one small statement can seem like a really big deal.

During my interview with Brooke Shields for this month’s Health magazine, I asked her what we ask a lot of the cover stars: “What is your biggest health regret?” Her answer was surprising and insightful:

“Not learning to love the way I looked earlier. And I think I would have had sex a lot earlier! [Laughs.] I think I would have lost my virginity earlier than I did at 22. I had the public and all this pressure, and I wish I had just gotten it over with in the beginning when it was sort of OK. I think I would have been much more in touch with myself. I think I wouldn’t have had issues with weight—I carried this protective 20 pounds [in college]. It was all connected. And to me, that’s a health regret.”

More surprising than that, however? The swell of media that picked up on it and turned it into a huge swell of an admission! All the major mags and papers picked up on it. Some examples:

Us Weekly: Brooke Shields: “I Regret Losing My Virginity at 22”

 Page Six: “Brooke Shields Lost Virginity at 22”

HuffPo: Brooke Shields: “I Lost My Virginity at 22”

People: Brooke Shields Regrets Not Losing Virginity Sooner

Fox News: Brooke Shields: I Would’ve Lost My Virginity Earlier

        Daily News: Actress and former model Brooke Shields reveals that she didn’t lose her virginity until she was 22

I’m glad it’s getting Health and Brooke’s causes the attention they deserve. And I appreciated how honest and forthright she was in the interview, as so many stars are gun-shy about just being themselves. But of course I hope this doesn’t end up being an “answer regret” for her going forward…