Jennifer Hudson felt 'discrimination' over her weight

Jennifer Hudson is convinced she was "discriminated against" over her weight, because she has been offered more acting roles since she slimmed down.

The 29-year-old singer/actress won an Oscar for her performance in 2006's Dreamgirls and went on to star in films including the 2008 Sex and the City movie and The Secret Life of Bees.

Hudson embarked on a strict diet after giving birth to her son David in 2009, dropping 80 pounds (36.2 kilograms) within months, and she is adamant her weight loss had a dramatic impact on her Hollywood career.

She tells Britain's Grazia, "Last week I saw some footage of myself as I was five years ago and I was surprised. It was like I recognized myself but I didn't. It seemed another world away. But in this slim world I do now realize I was being discriminated against. I'm offered more parts. There is much more excitement about me now."