Valerie Bertinelli Speaks Out After Pics of Her Weight Gain Go Viral

Actress Valerie Bertinelli has been the target of nasty new headlines after pics of the “Hot in Cleveland” star looking heavier went viral.

During a recent visit to “The Talk,” she revealed, “The paparazzi can’t wait to get a picture of me looking like I gained a few pounds.”

The former Jenny Craig spokeswoman made quite the splash in 2009 when she showed off her slimmed-down figure by posing in a bikini at 49.

Now, she has reportedly gained back 25 to 40 pounds after breaking her foot in December. She told the ladies of “The Talk” that her doctor wouldn’t allow her to exercise, and her weight started to creep up.

"It started to panic me, ” she said, adding, “And then I thought, well, wait a minute. This is my body. I'm almost 54. I broke my foot. I started thinking, 'Why do I feel so much shame?' We need to take the shame out of it."

[Photo: Valerie in January 2014 / Credit: FameFlyNet] 

She asserted that "We all need to give each other a break -- especially women. Let's leave each other alone."

Bertinelli is back in the gym, but not limiting her diet too much. "I still like to eat -- and I'm going to eat!"

Her friends at Jenny Craig also showed their support, telling "Extra" in a statement, "Valerie Bertinelli spent seven successful years as a spokesperson for Jenny Craig,” said a spokesperson for Jenny Craig. “Valerie’s success on the program served as an inspiration for others to make positive lifestyle changes, and we are very proud of our partnership. While she is no longer a brand spokesperson, we are big fans of Valerie and will always be here to support her. She is part of the Jenny Craig family and always will be."