British actress Joely Richardson has laughed off media reports that she suffers from an eating disorder - insisting her weight loss is down to the aftermath of an operation.

The 43-year-old star was photographed looking painfully thin last year and was accused of suffering from anorexia - and was upset at the rumors. She tells British newspaper the Daily Express, "I'd had a hernia operation, which had quite a long recovery period, coupled with really bad flu, so I probably did lose about 10 pounds."

However, Richardson is eager to point out she has a healthy lifestyle and exercised five times a week after her operation to stay fit. She adds, "I wanted to be stronger, to have more energy."

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)