America Ferrera at Entertainment Weekly's 5th Annual Emmys Celebration held at Opera/Crimson. Hollywood, California USA - 15.09.07

The curvaceous star of the hit comedy has lost 9 kilograms (20 pounds) in recent weeks, prompting criticism from those who hailed her a role model for normal-sized women.

Ferrera blames the weightloss on a hectic shooting schedule - but admits she feels better slimmer.

The 23-year-old says, "I feel like I'm a regular person. I'm a size 10 or 12, which is totally normal. But I do feel that since I wanted to get in better shape, there has been a bit of a backlash."

Source: WENN