Actress Debra Messing was left hurt and "depressed" by criticism of her fuller figure following the birth of her son Roman in 2004.

The former Will & Grace star, 40, found herself a target for tabloid critics when she failed to shed the extra weight she'd gained during her pregnancy immediately after welcoming the tot.

She tells the January issue of Shape magazine, "It was written about in the tabloids a lot. On one page it showed all the actresses who got skinny in six weeks or less (after giving birth), and on the other page was me! I was so depressed and frustrated." Messing admits she struggled to find time in her busy schedule to hit the gym, but is happy she has finally regained her pre-baby figure - dropping 42 pounds three years after giving birth.

She adds, "I was exhausted! I couldn't work out three hours a day and do my job as a mother and an actress. So I took the pressure off. I cut back on seeing the trainer but started eating healthier. Ultimately I'm very proud of how I dropped the weight because I think it was the healthy approach. I've finally taken ownership of my body."

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)