Actress America Ferrera has denied that she has bowed to industry pressure to be slim, insisting her hectic schedule is responsible for her recent weight loss.

The Ugly Betty star is viewed as a role model for curvy women and has been criticised after losing 20 pounds.

Ferrera, 23, says her busy lifestyle is behind her trimmer figure, but admits she is happy to have shed the weight.

She said: "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."