I love this attitude you have about the subject of weight loss. Why is it such a big deal? Every person who interviews you or asks you about it is just perpetuating the idea that women are nothing more than their dress size, unless of course, they already had that perfect body..then and only then, can their other accomplishments be deemed worthy of mention. I'm not saying that weight loss isn't an accomplishment - it is. I have lost 100lbs recently.

I would much rather know about your adoption. I so wish more people would look right here at the foster system before going overseas to adopt a baby or toddler.

Hey, how are you? Of course the media would do this, you're right....who cares? You're still you and sounds like doing great regardless. I'd much rather hear about your adoption. I guess you just have to put up with shallow people who only care about one thing. I'm so sick of the media in general....Except for Anderson Cooper and Larry King, and Oprah, they rock!

My g/f is the one that drags me to movies. I often see a trailer I like and then forget to go. She sees the trailer and makes a note of when to go. The exec you refer to is a dolt and not quite with it when it comes to what the audience is.

Awesome article!!! Amen to all of it! So sick of the stereotypes and double standards! When is okay to just take off all these friggin masks we wear and just be ourselves???

Yes, Nia
I have already been two two movies in the past month Star Trek and Angels and Demons, and plan on seeing, Lost in the Ruins, A night at the Museum, and the new Transformers movie when it comes out.
Yes, I go to the movies – I like action, adventure, AND chick flicks!!
Ginny – St Louis

amen

Finally. Refreshing to hear someone speak the truth.

Go, girl! I spent years hoping for a miracle weightloss solution. Finding out that my blood sugar had been averaging 400+ made that smaller plate and longer walks look real good.

Awesome Nia! Women can be and are sexy and beautiful and succesful and funny and talented at any size. If we all carried ourselves confidently and proudly it would never be an issue, but sadly we allow others to be our critics and we soak up their insecurities. I don't care how you lost the weight...or even that you did...Im just thrilled to see your face on the screen making me smile.

Women don't go to movies? That's the most absurd thing I've ever heard. Movies are still a great date. I think it's just that studio execs think women want 'soft' romantic comedies. That's not always true– I enjoy a great action flick with a strong female character (or not), too. Terminator with Linda Hamilton? But I adored 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' and I still watch it when it comes on television. I will see if my fiance wants to go and see 'My Life in Ruins' with me, because it's crazy to think good, female characters are being passed by because of some sexist idiots. Female characters have great complexities that are usually not found in male characters. Is the lead in 'The Reader' Ralph Fiennes' character, or Kate Winslet's? Absurd. Who won the Oscar? Women still need female characters to relate to. I think the problem is, that some are written by men and are as irritating to us, as they are to the misogynist that created them.

This is BEAUTIFUL. B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L.

Thanks Nia for keepin' it real!

Hollywood is all about appearance but unfortunately the double standard is a woman has to look like a Megan Fox to be hired whereas someone as fugly as Jack Black can get movie roles – starring ones at that. I'm not saying that Jack Black shouldn't get movie roles because I do enjoy them however where is the equivalent of a female Jack Black? Let's all be honest though...we go to the movies to escape the "real" world so who doesn't prefer a gorgeous woman on the big screen or a chiseled man? How many of us would really want to see the average person on the screen?

Perfectly said. The issue of weight loss is an every day fact of my life. I continue to try everything, and would definitely get the Ambien-induced glazed look that you described. In the last couple of months, I've decided to get serious. It's not a health issue, or even an actual weight issue, it's my personal perception. I have a few pounds to lose [read: more than 15] and I'm past the age where it mysteriously melts off for no apparent reason. I'm down to exercise, drinking water, watching the diet, and not eating after 7PM. I definitely miss the days when I could "wish" the fat away. And now, even with my proper process and very grown-up approach, there's still the voice in my head quoting "The Devil Wears Prada"...."I'm just one stomach flu away from my ideal dress size." [Obviously, old habits die hard].

Amen sister! Enough of the double standard – I'm sick of ugly, aging guys and hot women young enough to be their daughters. Let' see REAL people in the movie and Nia, you're 100% real. "Greek Wedding " rocks and I love watching the audio commentary track on the DVD.

A group of girlfriends & I just had "Greek Night" with Greek food and you guessed it – "My Big Fat Greek Wedding". We didn't watch it for the umpteenth time for what people looked like but because it's a great movie!!! And I will be going to see 'My Life in Ruins"!

I loved this piece! It's not new(s), but as others have said, it's REAL, and that is what I appreciate the most. I really admire her attitude, and I CANNOT STOP LAUGHING over "Take that bag of Doritos and throw it as far as you can. Now chase after it. Pick it up, do it again."

Kudos, Nia! I will be seeing your film.

Nia you are gorgeous and were never "below average" or fat. Thanks for the refreshing and honest article~!

Uhh... the media made a huge deal about "portly" Seth Rogen hooking up with Katherine Heigl. And I'm pretty sure the movie was largely about how he was beneath her as well. When the frumpy hook up with the hot, it's noticed. There may be more media examples of frumpy guys and hot chicks than the other way around, but when it happens it's noticed.

Thanks, Nia! I love the attitude and point of view. That studio exec explains why theaters show movies from the toy aisle "Transformers ad nauseum" and I get my adult dramas from Netflix. How's your child doing?

Wow, Nia u can speak for me on behalf of women all over the world anytime. I agree, there are so many more important, thought provoking, life lesson opening issues to talk about, than a woman's weight!!
I am the mother of 2 beautiful young ladies, 11 & 13, and I am proudest of them first and foremost. Of course, I have a weight issues too, who doesn't? The difference is I choose to focus on the more important things in my life, and my weight just isn't one of them, unless my overall health is being affected.
Kudos for you for speaking out!! Congrats on the adoption of your beautiful son. People need to start focusing on the important things in life.
You go girl!!!

Sincerly,
Bellamardar(twitter name)

Not only am I a woman, I'm a FAT woman. And movies are like crack to me. I can't get enough. Well, let me be specific... GOOD movies are like crack to me.

I made the mistake of going with a friend to see "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past" a few weeks ago and spent two hours wishing I had a patch of grass to watch grow or freshly painted wall to watch dry.

So perhaps, Mr. Studio Executive, it's not that women don't go to the movies. It's that we don't go to crappy movies that you think we're supposed to like.

That assumption offends me more than the judgement of being fat.

I love this article. I loved you Nia in My Big Fat Greek wedding, and I love you in this article. You are a tremdous actor. You are believable, smart and witty. A genuine entertainer. I will see your new film regardless of what you look like. I look forward to your acting, your writing and the overall enjoyment of a really great movie. But by the way, you look beautiful, sound beautiful, are beautiful....then and now.

Nia – thank you for the article and especially the visual of the Doritos bag! It is true that we want the easy fix and don't admit that it took time to pack it on, and it takes time and effort to get it off. Best of luck with the film.

The studio exec is obviously sniffing glue. Women DO go to movies. I'll get off my couch potato a%& and see your movie AND Sandra Bullock's.
It's time to support our sisters, not tear them down. We're so much more than a dress size or stereotype of what beauty is. I firmly believe that beauty is self-confidence.
So make a stand ladies and stop buying products and magazines that promote images that destroy the self confidence of the average woman. Megan Fox is not the norm!
I look forward to hearing about your adoption of a foster child. I've considered adoption myself and am very interested in your experience.
Keep listening to your own voice, Nia, and continue making movies that real people can relate to. Thanks!

Congratulations on your weight loss and getting your blood sugar under control. I too suffered for years until I discovered a full body nutritional cleansing program. I lost 65 pounds and I've kept it off for more than 2 years now. To see my before and after pictures and read my success story go to cleansebenefits.com/

Loved it! You are so right. We judge everything nowadays by Hollywood standards. I am constantly amazed of how much value we place on physical appearance and we continue to glorify these women that look like skeletons with tanorexia! I think you are not only talented, but beautiful, no matter your size. Your confidence and self-esteem shine thorough, even more now that you're healthy. Look at Queen Latifah – healthy, not skinny. It's OK to have some skin (and yes, gasp, fat) on your bones. You don't need as much botox then (ha!) – all kidding aside, your skin, hair, etc. look so much better when you're healthy. Kudos and congratulations on the adoption, it's wonderful that you adopted here and not in the "country of the month" either. Our children need love too! You (and your hubby) make one very classy couple. Keep up the great work – love our movies!

I love this article...and yes the media does play a huge role on how women see themselves. Its an awful truth, that young girls are brought up thinking that the girl on the cover of the magazine is who they should be. And yes I know, most of you are saying "Your only saying that because your fat," Yes I am fat, but I do have a 12 year old neice, that is into gymnastics, and will not eat, because she has been told she is too fat...she weighs 75 pounds and is over 4 feet tall people! My 17 year old neice, although a little promiscuous, got pregnant, her weight at first 98 pounds! She was also told she was fat.....this is ludacris! No I am not proud of what I have done to my body, I am doing something about it, I hate having to diet and exercise, but those are the facts. There is not miracle diet, no miracle pill, it takes hard work and discipline....just like the doctors will tell you.....Thanks Nia for bringing this subject to the forefront again, and making it funny, so its less painful to think about.....

Thank you for this Nia. I love my curves and if it weren't for my health like you, I'd keep them. Unfortunately to be attractive you have to look like you are on crack these days. It's sad sad sad. Wasn't it way back when when it was just the opposite. Large women where more desirable because it was a sign of fertility, good health and strength?

This is the right attitude to have about weight loss....

women don't have to be sizes zero – two to be pretty, or to look good, or to feel good about themselves. In fact, I prefer my women to have meat on their bones, to be sporty, yet have good energy. Too thin is unattractive, Too big is also unattractive. I eat... A LOT... a woman who can out eat me... not good... but a woman who eats less than a bird, also a major turn off.

And for the record, I have no clue why Mrs. Vardalos is classed as fat, unattractive, overweight etc... some people need their heads examined.

I am a movie nut. My mother is a movie nut. Both my daughters, all of my sisters are . . . movie nuts. We go to the movies – all of us – about once a week depending on the season. Most of the people sitting in the movie theaters with us are . . WOMEN! Men – if there are no boobs or guns – just don't go. That movie exec was . . let me guess. . . a guy. If there is any FACT that you can rely on – movie execs are wrong 9 out of ten times they open their mouths. Oh, and Kudos on the self-discipline. I am overweight [okay, fat] and I know EXACTLY how to lose weight – I just end up feeling sorry for the bag of chips and stop throwing it and start caressing it. Someday maybe – but if not, that's okay too.

I wonder who told us women that we should keep a 21 year old body forever anyway. Weight for a woman is a roller coaster and for a middle age man sometimes a big fat wallet, women never stay the same weight unless we choose to. Men, think we should never talk about their big fat A's..They sure talk about ours. The solution is both should pay attention.

Tell that to Oprah! If she stopped parading all these celebrities who've recently lost weight, she might get in a show a week. And what about all her whining about her yo-yoing weight. It's a very sad example by an otherwise extraordinary woman. She should just get over it already and enjoy herself the way she is.

Kudos to you, Nia, for giving people the goods and not succumbing to Hollywood pressure. And thanks for making us Canadians proud!

For the record, I'm a woma and and I go to the movies. I watch whatever I think is a meaningful, good flick – often times it may not Hollywood drivel. And my mom's a movie watcher as well – my dad won't even go with her. So what a fallacy that guy was purporting.

But please, if Oprah comes calling, tell her that talk about your weight is off limits. Although they might rescind your invititation b/c of that!

I am not sure i understand. With all due respect, millions of people went and watched your first movie. you made millions and millions of dollars. would that be the case if people considered the premise of an average looking chubby woman with a hottie far-fetched? so, a couple of people asked you questions on the publicity tour, what about the millions who validated your movie? Give me a break with your complaining. you are lucky to be where you are.

Yeh Nia

I think your tell it like it is attitude comes from your upbringing in Winnipeg (my hometown, also). Here people are still real...Well up to the generation starting around !990???
I believe you hit the nail Right on the head with your comments on societies attitudes about weight , looks, etc. and they wonder why this generation ie that of the Lindsay's , Britney's and Paris' are so nascissitic , shallow and misguded. I believe that the real important things in life like family and values...are being watered done by our obsession as a societyu with the truly trivial, wasted lives of the above mentioned "role models". People seem to be filling their empty live s trying to emulate these fantasy "role models" . Parents are left to deal with the results. Boy I hope THEIR parents are PROUD!!!!!!

Well said Nia! What refreshing honesty. We need to hear more from people like you.

Despite being only 3 years younger, I look much younger than my guy. I doubt anyone pays much attention to what he is doing with someone so much younger than him. You know if I was with some hot young guy who looked a decade or more younger, people would be chattering away.

You should have watched the rest of "Knocked Up". The whole idea of the movie is that this schlubby, unattractive guy hooked up with this totally "hot" chick thanks to alcohol, and because of the circumstances of the pregnancy, they tried to make it work- even though she was way out of his league in the looks (and class) department. The fact that he was an ugly guy with a good looking girl was not only acknowledged, it was actually a major part of the story.

Love her!!!!!!

My Big Fat Greek Wedding rocked, and it's a great parrellel between my own insane, but lovable family..

Nia is just too cool for school

This is the attitude every woman and girl should have!!! Look at the biggest beauty/sex symbol of all time: Monroe, she wasnt 0 size, she had those hips and curves like a real lady!!!

Embrace those curves!!

Besides, what works for one lady, is a disaster for another.. Not everyone needs to be a negative jean size, you just need to feel good and be healthy

nia is a gorgeous lady, who actually feels good in her own skin... now thats sexy... the knives and needles and other suctions tubes that others use to "perfect" themselves is a bit creepy...

I think people are just very intrigued about how you we're able to lose the weight you lost. Maybe for their own purpose and maybe because they might be having trouble losing weight themselves, so their looking at you as being a roll model and even a mentor. Speaking from personal experience, when people see someone they've seen before, has lost a good amount of weight, then they might be just trying to find out the secret.

Don't take it personally Nia, maybe you could be the next fitness queen.

You're beautiful.

Women go to movies when their is content that women want. Frankly, more male nude hot bodies like in Sex in the City make it a special appointment go-see for me.

The movies women won't go see – where we are a victim, need a man to save us, have us a bimbos and characterizations of the "joke", we cat fight other women, need psychotherapy, are desperate to be married, raped, murdered, egged on by revenge, needing to kill or be killed... yes, all these situations that male studio executives think we women are about.

Maybe if the male studio execs stopped their movie surveys of two – they and their trophy wives – they might be very surprised.

I have to say I agree with what you say Nia but unfortunately if you live in the gay world you have to put up with the image crap too. We are stereotyped to have perfect toned muscular bodies with a nice tan and good clothes. If we don't have that we aren't representative and don't get noticed. It's crap. I don't see the issue with it. If you have a few extra pounds but are healthy it really shouldn't be an issue and if people are that shallow about it then someone should remind them that age ends up kicking the crap out of most people's looks unless you have the money to get a lot of plastic surgery which doesn't look good on everyone. So in the end you just enjoy what you have make the most of it and be yourself and that, they can't take away from you.

Nia-LOVED this article. You said a mouthful about the weight double standards in Hollywood. I just wanted to say that I thought you were beautiful before and that you are beautiful now. Either way.

Great article and very well written – I read all the way to the end which I often do not do.
I must admit to watching my own weight – but try to eat healthy without sacrificing some treats like Vodka, real butter and chocolate – I am a private chef so it is quite a challenge! My last client lost over 40lbs whilst in my care and he loved every bite! (chefvenetia on Twitter)
As far as the movies – I absolutely love them, I often go solo and buy the ones I want to see again on the 4 for $20.00 at Blockbuster. I just saw "The Women" and plan to see "My Life in Ruins" because I loved "My big Fat Greek Wedding!" I do love films starring mostly women, but I also love the guys like Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Matthew McConaughey, Daniel Craig ( too many to list) . I just saw "Angels and Demons" – amazingly I was totally alone in a huge theatre!!
Keep up the good work – beauty comes from within!! Poli Orea!

Well, the important thing is that you're not bitter.................

First – - WOMEN DON'T SUPPORT MOVIES ???? What planet is that man from.
Second, your article thrills me to the tips of my over weight fingers.
Fat-thin, fat-thin. I wonder the same things every day that you point out . Health issues are primary, of course. But that aside, the beanstalks of today can't hold a candle to the stars of the old Hollywood who had hips, and curvaceous legs, etc. You were gorgeous in My Big Fat Greek Wedding and your size was/is a non-issue.
Third – - ohsoright about the double standard. My dream: a short, fat, bald woman as morning anchor on the Today Show.
Hah !
And just for the record - I'm a little overweight, what is called "zaphtig", but I have no personal ax to grind about the thin-niks.
But nobody in this world needs to be a size 2 or zero. Nobody.

I think you are truly walking in beauty-then (MBFGW), and now! Thanks for a wonderful article, for your intelligence, your talent, your wit, and your goddess spirit!!!!! Keep up the good work, Sister Queen!

I think Ms. Vardalos is beautiful... downright sexy. I thought this when Big Fat Wedding came out. Obviously there is more to her than her looks... but seriously. Somebody should write Ms. Vardalos a poem.

Nia, You are my hero!!! Thank you for saying what so many of us feel (in fact, I was going to ask if you have a voice-recorder in my head because I have had these EXACT same thoughts! )

And I LOVE that you call out the male celebrities that never get negative attention for their weight!!! It's been a pet-peeve of mine FOREVER. I noticed that even as a child – the television shows I watched reinforced that the women/wives were to be svelte and perfect and the men/husbands could be as fat, bald and dumb as they wanted to be and that skinny wife of his was the luckiest woman in the world for having him. Puh-leeze!

Congratulations on your adoption – another reason to admire you!!! (not that I needed one)

PS – can't wait to see your new movie! beyond happy that you're on the big screen again!

If the man thinks that women don't go to movies, maybe women just don't go to HIS movies. How many times does he expect us to sit through Kate Hudson wrangling Matthew McConaughey into marrying her?

Also, I very nearly spit a piece of cantaloupe across the room at the Doritos thing. Oh, who am I kidding, it was a piece of chocolate.

I go to movies every week by myself...it's my form of relaxation and time to just lose myself. I just saw YOUR movie yesterday and it was great! Thanks for all the positive and much needed remarks!

Thank you Nia for using your fame to speak for those of us who strongly share this same sentiment!!!

Excellent Nia! It's incredible how many people constantly comment about superficial things and ignore the real issues. Nia is a great person - she cares for kids, is a great actress, is beautiful - and by the way she lost a couple pounds. People please STOP measuring people by the size of their waistline and begin measuring them by the size of their heart!

I love the candor and honest. Maybe people will pay attention and realize the truths of your writing.

Nia, you were BEAUTIFUL in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and don't listen to anyone who tells you differently! Seriously, people are just crazy sometimes.

I'm glad you were able to improve your health. Good for you.

Women DO go to the movies! My friends and I go all the time. So do my daughters. I should own stock in my local theater.

Congrats on the weight loss for your health issue only. I thought you looked lovely as you were but blood sugar is a big health sapper so, I'm glad you took it seriously.

congratsand a big THANK YOU on the baby adoption too.

Nia,

I think you are extremely beautiful, intelligent woman. Those skinny girls look sick and look like they will fall apart if you touch them. I love women with bodies like you they are so sexy and hot.
Actors & Actresses should be judged on their performance not on their looks. There was a woman a couple of years ago that is below average looking but she won an Oscar because of her performance.
Someting very interesting I saw on the Internet is what Megan Fox has said. Wish I can find it.
Women are going to movies more so then men.
My wife and I liked Seth Rogan until we read his interview in Playboy and we both agree that he is disgusting.
GF, Los Angeles hit it right on in his/her comments.

Excellent article...I'm a woman and I see many movies!

Best article I've read in the past decade. Thanks for speaking the truth!

Change is Change! What was once considered a good thing is now a horendous act against the body. We cannot expect to see those pounds on our bones and then move about as though nothing is going on behind the scenes. Whenever you get tired of being pill-pushers (hypertensive and eating disorder patients) and bone-crushing specialists (joggers) we will take a more educated approach of so-called natural habits.
We need to say "NO" to all the erratic food choices. Yes while food is vital for living, there are some diests and foods that aggravate any healthy person.
Why not teach us to include peppers in our diets? Why not push the cinnamon? Why not re-educate about the tomato and the garlic and onions? Why not the peanut oil over the vegetable oil? MONEY!!!!
Those store provided treats are delicious looking. They are murderous on the thighs and the taste is too sweet.
Casual stroles daily, sitting in the park for 30 minutes daily is a body treat – try it!

Well said! And like the comment above – I love movies! But I see the trailer, make a mental note to take in the matinee (read: cheaper ticket) and then life gets in the way and before I know it I'm reading the Sunday ads and the DVD will be coming "on Tuesday". Sheesh! But your movie is on my calendar and in my PDA and your article is now posted on my refrigerator. You are spot on and I love it! Thank you. (and all those female-lead movies you wrote about – all were exceptional flicks!)

Oh man! I am a 36 year old guy, and am completely shocked at how candid she is! This is my kind of woman! Her article further fuels my belief of how shallow most hollywood-types (and those bimbos/gigolos trying to emulate them) are.

Good for you Nia! Be real, because at least you will be able to look at yourself in the mirror afterward.

you speak the truth
i hate the double standards!
and you are gorgeous, no lie

Nia, you are one of the most beautiful women on the planet. You have a beautiful soul. I too am so tired of the anorexic, food starved idiots out there pretending to be actresses. We live in such a fabricated world these days. Looks at some of our past (and present) actresses – Liz Taylor, Sophia Loren, Maureen Ohara, Ingrid Bergman, Meryl Streep, Whoopie Goldberg, Queen Latifah, and you Nia – these are beautiful and talented women who look like women – not like little boys.
Thank you for taking a stand and understanding what is important. I wish you the best with your new movie and even more joy with your new addition to your family.

Thanks for giving us a dose of realism. Pills and potions aren't going to work nearly as well as pushing away from the table or putting the fork down. I finally got tired of tight pants and shirts that hugged the rolls of fat on my belly. I got my butt outta bed, took it to the gym where I worked off 30 lbs. and 3 pant sizes in a year. While I'm far from a medically ideal weight, I'm much happier with my more toned shape, have tons of energy and love my new jean size.

There are no quick fixes–just inspiration to undo all the damage bad eating has done and it's gonna take some work!

Amen, to you, girl! How refreshing to hear the "truth" not only about how you lost your 40 lbs., but about how "glamerous" we all could look if we had the "hazmat" team work on us! I love it. Most Hollywood star would have said, "oh, I eat all the time and the weight just comes right off" Yea, right! Or, "I hav NEVER had plastic surgery" as their smile starts to crack their face! Congradulations on your new baby. He/she is one lucky child to have a mother like you!!

Nia, I'm definitely a Nia Vardalos (before diet) type & my husband is all kinds of John Corbett, so it DOES happen & hey, he thinks I'm hot as do many men in my past life! THAT's what Hollywood will never get.

I seriously don't know why everyone makes so much issue about women's weight. When I married, my wife was a bit plumpy and everyone said you can get someone so better. Even after going through so many ups and downs in life with me she has stood by me. No other woman could have showered me more love than my wife. Me marrying my wife remains best decision of my life.

What a super article! You say what I have always believed. You were beautiful then and are beautiful now. It is a shame that intelligent, talented women are degraded because they are not thin. I am looking forward to seeing your movie, Nia! Keep on telling it like it is!

I absolutely LOVE you Nia, and all the power to you to tell all these people to get lost about weight issues... I've always been overweight as a kid & after having a premature baby (I gained 40 pounds during my pregnancy) I'm now losing my excess baby weight, but I LOVE myself regardless if I'm 20, 30 or 40 pounds less, and so does my husband.. As long as you're healthy & love yourself above all else, everyone who matters in your life will love you too... As a sidenote, My Big Fat Greek Wedding is one of my alltime favorite movies, BTW

Wait...you weren't attractive in MBFGW? It took more makeup to put you in the frumpy look.

It's the truth, however, that you rarely see GENUINELY unattractive women in title or supporting roles unless they're playing "Unattractive Woman #3". More dudes make movies, and dudes are attracted to physical beauty. Lots of dudes aren't attractive, so they make flicks where the homely guy gets the hot girl. Unattractive dudes then see the movies.

On the other hand, women have the crappy romance novel niche completely cornered.

I'll be honest. I'm a woman and I hate chick flicks. Sometimes I will go to them because they're usually PG and I need something to take my 12 year old daughter to. Give me an action or thriller to see any time. I enjoy women in the movies if they're there food the good of the movie and not just there to be eye candy. I don't like to see women acting giddy over their weddings or in bikinis with machine guns. Just me.

Well said on all counts! After losing 20 pounds myself through diet changes and training for long-distance running, I came to the same realization. The fact of the matter is, weight loss is never easy, it's rarely fun, and it takes stamina and a strong dose of will. Keep up the positive vibes and confident spirit!

Beautifully written article because it was not just written by and for Nia; it was written for women everywhere.

"I was asked over and over again, if, as the writer, I felt it was a fair depiction of real life to have someone of my er, below average looks, hook up with hottie John Corbett." I wonder if whoever said that realized how insulting that was to men, not women. It implied that good looking men don't look beyond the packaging to the product inside. It implied that men are like "Shallow Hal."

I loved "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and have heard it was an accurate portrayal of the whole affair.

I may be a fat woman, but I am not boring, and certainly not obsessing about my looks all the time. I am who I am, love me or hate me. At least with me, what you see is what you get.

I thought she was hot in 'Greek'.

She's right in that there is a double standard, although when I saw 'Greek' I didn't even think twice about those two as a couple. It made sense to me.

I think she's also right in that women perpetuate the weight issue. Men do, as well, of course, but sometimes I wonder if women make the problem bigger than men do.

I personally don't have a problem with a woman having a little fat on her. I prefer an hourglass shape much more than the sought-after stick shape that is so prevalent in today's media. Curves are sexy. Hips are sexy. Being rail-thin is not!

What I think is really sad is that so many men just follow along with what they're told by society is sexy, rather than making up their own minds. I just don't see how being able to count a woman's ribs when she has her shirt off can be the least bit sexy. Men date these women because they're told that is what's hot.

Quit being sheep, guys, and make up your own mind!

Thank you, Nia, for being yourself! I hope more women follow suit.

Dontcha know that most of those movies "execs" also look like Seth Rogan. And these guys have the audacity to criticize.

Fantastic. Loved everything – especially the attitude and the reality check.Congrats on your adoption by the way... from a fellow adoptee. I somehow missed that news while Bikini Kate and her 8 were tripping across the tabloids. Blessings to you.

And why don't women go to the movies..... There aren't that many option out there that we want to see!

I Loooooove this article. I never exercised throughout my 20's priding myself on the fact my body could take whatever atrocities I ate and still look great...guess what at 28 my to be husband thinking I was in great shape took me to hike the Inca trail in Peru...its a wonder I didn't plunge to my death trying to climb those stone steps! I think I must have really loved him ;o) (still do) I sucked it up and endured.
Thus slowly starting this quest of getting in shape. I guess my point is no one came after me cause I looked thin but that doesn't mean your healthy or fit it just means you are deluded enough to think a small dress size makes everything ok.

I so agree with you. I'm overweight, and my husband makes me feel like the sexiest, most beautiful woman in the world! And, I like my curves. And, its seems, so does a lot of men. I think the skinny obsessed culture we live in today, can be directly blamed on the gay movement. They want all women to look like little boys. I think some men find curvy women, intimidating. There is definitely a double standard at work here, but I could care less.

I'm very proud of you for losing the weight you did. But, let me be very clear: You were very attractive before, and you are still very attractive.

The lady I'm seeing now is obsessed with what she sees as being "fat". She's rail thin, and always has been...ever since I first saw her years ago in high school. But, because of a false image projected by Hollywood and many fashion magazines, she feels that she's fat, among other "attribute shortages".

I've pointed out to her many times that the image projected is only a that: an image. Is Kirsten Dunst attractive? Yes, but not because of her weight. Is Kirstie Alley attractive? Yes, but not because of her weight. Is Nia Vardalos attractive? Yes, but not because of her weight. Each of these women are attractive because of some inner beauty that appears onscreen. They're real women.

Which is what I keep telling my lady. She's a real woman, not somebody's image of one. Also, I remind her that I fell in love with the whole woman, not a collection of body parts. And a real woman is the most attractive of all.

So, Nia, you tell those folks that there ARE men that don't fall for the illusion...some of us look for the beauty inside.

Loved this article!

The Seth Rogen comment was dead on. That was the most disgusting scene I've seen in a movie...ugh. I'm going to be one of the hated people on here that is tall and genetically thin no matter what I eat (sorry!) but the double standard in Hollywood definitely exists. I love your personality, and you're beautiful inside and out! I'm not saying I'm not vain (creams, nails, makeup, tanning, etc. – there is an expectation to be met when you're a Texas girl), but I've come to learn to love myself for who I am.

AMEN Honey. Great article and Congratulations on your adoption!! I would much rather hear about your adoption and work than your weight.

The discussion of weight is so annoying and the celebrity standard is ridiculous. I was recently asked if I found it difficult to get a date since I am "bigger" and had to laugh since I'm a size 8.

As a woman, I can say that I typically do not go to movies because they are mindless dribble made by men who think I do not have a brain. My Netflix queue is full of smart movies with women as strong lead characters, not some mindless ninny chasing a man not worth her time. I will definately make a trip to the theater to see My Life In Ruins and look forward to being entertained by you.

Nia – you were attractive in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. I've always thought you were beautiful. your smile, your brains, and yes, your "fat." Have a great life and please keep making great films.

It's about time somebody had the courage to say that. I've always said that if I had been born in Hawaii a few hundred years ago, I would have been a beauty queen! They loved their woman fluffy.

I'd tell you that you're amazing, but you clearly already know that! I'm following you on Twitter now. Keep doing what you do.

yay! love this article! for the record, you are and always were beautiful, and equally as important, your inner beauty always shone through in your humor and kindness. in the real world, 'attractive' comes in all different shapes, sizes, colors and ethnicities. in the movies it comes in very few and doesn't reflect real life! to that studio exec who said woman don't go to the movies, a) WRONG. i go every week, and always with another girlfriend and b) maybe we'd go more often if we saw strong, funny, 'differently beautiful' women in the movies who reflect the beauty that's outside of hollywood in the real world!

Go Nia!
Miracle weight loss just doesn't happen. Thanks for sharing the truth. Now about movies – I love action adventure, and I wouldn't miss an Angelina Jolie movie. But a woman's size isn't what makes a movie a chick flick – it's her heart, her soul, her fire.
Men just think women are as shallow as they are! LOL!!

I didn't think Nia Vardalos had "below average" looks to start with. She looked damn cute in that chick flick about the Greek wedding. In fact, they had to "uglify" her in the beginning of the movie so it would seem like a big transformation when she looked more like her real self. Of course, many of the men in that movie are made to look like idiots (her dad with the Windex obsession, her immature brothers), but other than the implicit sexism, it was a good movie and she looked great in it.

Boy are Paul Giamatti and Alec Baldwin going to be pissed at you!

You have ALWAYS been a knockout, don't under estimate yourself.

You know, I suspected something was up when I went to see Cold Mountain, Chicago and Moulin Rouge. Women? What women?

Only men went to see Juno, Rachel Getting Married, Bride Wars and Devil Wears Prada. Come to think of it, only men read Charlaine Harris books and Vogue Magazine.

Women don't go near yoga studios or shoe stores, nor do they socialize in Starbucks or on soccer fields. Only men know how to apply mascara properly, and can distinguish between pantyhose and pantyliners. Men do all the grocery shopping and cleaning. Don't even TRY to ask a woman where to find duvet covers in Bed, Bath & Beyond...they're just BARELY an emerging market.

HILARIOUS!

That exec will be all up in your business looking for the sequel when your movie goes to #1 and stays in the top 5 for 2 months, kissing your butt and elbowing you about how funny his "joke" was.

Ms. Vardalos, thank you for being so candid. Good to see someone in the business not taking it too seriously.

ps. Corbett was hot, but he was no Clooney. Regardless, your character could have gotten either one!

While I do think that all women are beautiful and should be comfortable in their size, women also need to understand that there are health risks that come with being overweight, even 10 pounds overweight. I am an average-sized 26-year-old woman, not thin, not fat. But I work out to maintain my body, and if I lose weight, that's a bonus. I do not want to gain weight because I know how uncomfortable I would feel, but I also do not want to gain weight because I see the poor health that my overweight parents are in. Nia, I think you are beautiful; I love My Big Fat Greek Wedding and thought that you looked like stunning – not thin, but not fat either. You looked normal. You looked like me. While yes, women should celebrate their bodies and be comfortable at their size, they also should recognize that being thin – or average – is not just a matter of what "looks good," more importantly, it's a matter of what is healthy.

True. And this is how I deal with the different standards. I tend to emphasize only those films thta a woman probably had a strong hand in casting–either because the lead female is a box office ledaer (Jolie, e.g.) or a woman is either at the helm as a director. In these movies, suddenly the men are taller, thinner nd better looking.

Whenn former high school male nerds make the films, there is always disfavorable beauty diffferential to women. But I'm not going to allow the nerds to live out their fantasies on my ten dollars. As a female, I deserve better.

what can I say that hasn't been said already?! Amen to ALL you've said!

hi nia. in my own experience, it seems that people around me have a perpetual issue about my weight and physical appearance. since childhood, i've heard of words that's been used to describe me: a little on the heavier side or fat or chubby or big boned. although i wasn't a bit bothered myself, i really think you still feel pressured nonetheless. on the other hand, i didn't really mind asking for a bigger size if a blouse won't fit me (it's a different issue though when they say it's the biggest size already). so when i saw your "big fat greek wedding," i really thought it was like a fairy tale patterned after me (same as "bridget jones' diary"). i'm glad these films are able to send a message that even a fat girl can score a good-looking and a real nice man. so what about my size? it's 12 and i know it's just a number so i can buy clothes that i like. if it's not on size 12, sorry to me but more sorry to those who don't market that size because it means no purchase, no sale and no profit. film producers think only men go to the movies, didn't they know that even in simple dates women oftentimes decide which film to see? and now that it's believed that there are more women than men, i guess that makes us a bigger market audience to penetrate. also, tell them to simply check on the telly and count the number of products advertised for men and women and they will see that products aimed at women wins hands down. so yes, women still go to the movies. anyway, thanks for sharing your talent to us, nia and i look forward to more of your movies. how about writing us a novel? *wink *wink

Brilliant!

OMG. You are my newest hero. Thank you for being honest, forthright and so right on.

May every woman read your words and take them to heart. AND, let's go out and see your movie – twice and Sandra Bullock's – twice.

May we women learn to love ourselves, thighs and all.

Nia, Thank you so much for bringing up the fact that TV and movies have such a huge issue with average looking woman being in relationships with hot men. It is all you see in TV sitcoms anymore. An overweight gentleman with a perfectly figured honey. Will other movie writers and directors please follow suit with Nia and let the not so cute chicks get the hot guys. It really isn't that far fetched, no really!! FYI-Nia, you are in the beautiful catagory. Thanks for your movies.

Thank you for your honesty and you are right we give the word FAT too much power! You are an inspiration in so many ways. I wish you so much success and happiness and joy in raising your child and life!

Congrats to Nia and to Cici for her comment to "make a stand ladies and stop buying products and magazines that promote images that destroy the self confidence of the average woman." It might seem like such a small thing, but it's a tremendous money-making industry and we are buying into it. We have to change our inner thoughts and change our behavior patterns. Excellent article, Nia, you're an amazing actor and a powerful voice for women.

well said

My friends and I go to the movies and dinner once a month. We all take turns on what we go see. Mostly action, but we do go to chick flicks too. So sad that people can't see the person you really are. Some day people will realize that what is on the outside is just a shell........you are beautiful on the inside that is what really matters! I love your attitude, more woman need to do the same........who cares what I look like, I am me, you don't like it too bad.

Oh, I LOVE it when witty, intelligent, accomplished women take on this ridiculous weight preoccupation business! Thank you Nia! If you guys get a chance (and Ms. V if you're reading...) there's a great article:

My, Haven't You Lost Weight!
by Marge Piercy

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which makes a fine companion to this..

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Yes, women go to movies, and I am the one who drags my mate to them, as well. He would never remember which were even playing, if it weren't for me. In the looks vs. talent dept., and how some very average Joe's get to land the title role, look no farther than Steve Carelle (sp?). He gets the hot women and he is no Don Juan. Now, is the message that women are just ever-able to see the depth beneath the veneer, or is it that no producers go the route where men fall for the women who are less than hot, blinded instead by their talent, wit, and personality. We need some of these New Age Producers, those who live on the edge, having the courage of our convictions *that a woman can have extra pounds and STILL be alluring"...Where are the visionaries?

It isn't just frumpy guys with hot women - it's also old guys (Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, et al) with hot women. Thank you Nia for your commentary, you are awesome (you put me on the mood to watch "My Big, Fat Greek Wedding" tonight!)!

Nia, I get that you're tired of being asked about your weight loss. I get that you did it the "boring" way, that there's no trick. But you know what? I hadn't heard of your weight loss until reading this. I'm trying to do the same thing the same way. And guess what – I found your story encouraging.

Maybe you're just inspiring those of us who need a little inspiration.

What a talented woman!

I am even more inspired to be the healthiest I can be; the aesthetic reasons are simply a side effect to striving for a healthier body.

To answer her tongue-n-cheek question; I think even more woman go to movies than men...but why does that even matter? We (movie-goers) are all consumers who love good entertainment. WIth Nia Vardalos behing the pages and camera, I'm certain there will be much more to come!!!

I agreed with you, you looked great in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," ignore the idiots....

No man I know willingly goes to the movies–they are all dragged by moms/sisters/girlfriends/friends who are girls. That executive is either stupid or lying.

Thank you for this article. I hadn't even noticed that you'd lost weight. I thought you looked great in My Big Fat Greek Wedding and still think you look great.

I am happy to hear you have adopted a child–I hadn't heard about that AT ALL before.

Thanks for this great article.

Today I saw a very upsetting magazine comparing Angelina Jolie to Megan Fox, saying that the former was angry at being upstaged by the younger and "sexier" actress. So, even Angelina isn't sexy enough anymore? Because she's no longer 22 ? The woman won an Academy Award, has borne 3 children, adopted many others, and worked tirelessly to save countless more, and yet Fox (who has only acted in a few (bad) movies) is now considered sexier? Maybe we should redefine our notion of "sexy". Since having my baby my body certainly isn't the same as when I was 16, but by virtue of the fact that I have grown and cared for a child I think that makes me pretty sexy. Even if it does mean my hair doesn't get done on a daily basis.

Hilarious, the same thing is happening to me at work. I lost 30 pounds the last the months. My secret, I run everyday and eat 2000 calories or less. You chose to be fat, don't blame Hollywood. Gee, actors are beautiful, athletes are really in shape and models are thin. Wow, that is shocking, I am sure lazy, fat people would be much better. Oh ,yea, it's every one else's fault.

LOVED THIS ARTICLE!! Saw My Life in Ruins and, of course, I saw My Big Fat Greek Wedding and loved both of them. Nia, you looked fabulous in both of them BECAUSE IN BOTH OF THEM YOU WERE REAL. It didn't matter how much the character weighed, it mattered if the characters was REAL. (Plus you got to kiss John Corbett AND Alexis Georgoulis-JEALOUS!!!!)

And any movie exec who thinks women don't go to the movies is an idiot. I am a 40 year old woman who goes to the movies quite frequently. It just needs to be a GOOD movie for me to plunk down my money (and that includes movies with STRONG women characters in the lead.)

Nia was sexy in MBFGW – sweet, funny, beautiful smile. The weight loss didn't change any of that. She is now healthier for her achievement. I have lost 125 pounds, which I had to do for health reasons, but it was very hard to get a woman to look at me when I was in my 20's. They all liked my personality, but many of them dated jerks because of their bodies. I'm not questioning the existence of the double-standard, but I can guarantee you that the "fat turnoff" goes both ways.

You tell em!
That was great.
I lost weight for health, and was shocked at how many people got nosey and then said, "but you didn't need to"?
Like, am I supposed to wait until I am obese to do something for my health? LOL
They too wanted to know how..... same thing.... hard work and exercise.
Then they walk away.

I thought you were beautiful in My Big Fat Greek Wedding and so did my husband.

And yes, women go to movies and they BUY the DVD.

I'm a woman, and I love movies. I loved 'My Big, Fat Greek Wedding so much I bought it on dvd, and we still enjoy watching it. I used to love going to see movies in theaters, but I don't anymore. Why? Because of the sound. Our local theaters crank the sound way up, especially for the trailers and advertisements (of which there are more all the time) at the beginning. I've worn earplugs during a movie, and still felt that the sound hurt my ears. And lately most movies seem to be aimed at adolescent males with very low IQs. Why should I spend $10.00 for that? I could stay home and stare at a wall and have a much better time, or spend less money renting Japanese anime, which is intelligent and beautifully crafted. But I'll go see your movie, for sure.

Thanks Nia for making me smile in so many ways. First and foremost, you are a real role model on adoption. Finally, a person who realizes the desperate need for families for our American children. So many children are suffering needlessly in foster care who could be adopted by Americans (word to Madonna, Angelina, etc.). Bravo, Nia and may you and your little one enjoy your wonderful new life together. Secondly, you look wonderful now but looked equally lovely before. Don't ever let the creepy execs of Hollyweird say differently.

"Socially, the issue of men’s weight is simply not a big deal."

To be fair and unbias, the issue of men's weight is not a big deal in movies and TV shows where the key element is humor (Seth Rogan is funny), or when the man is famous and/or rich. Ask the average guy who's significantly overweight what it's like approaching thin, attractive women, and your sure to get one of two answers: 1) I don't because it's just painful, or 2) you find other ways draw their attention. Women are extremely judgmental – a much, if not more, so toward men as themselves. In fact, it's worse for men because we don't get to waive it off to PMS, motherhood, genes, etc. But if women weren't so judgmental as early as elementary school, men probably won't be as much so. Statistics prove that most men prefer women who are curvy anyway.

Having experienced life as both an overweight and physically fit (six pack) guy, I can tell you men don't get as much of a pass from women as you believe.

Not only did my wife & I go to see My Big Fat Greek Wedding, we enjoyed it thoroughly, as did our (then) 80-year old neighbor lady! Ditto Connie and Carla – an absolutely hysterically funny film. We'll be seeing My Life In Ruins; We'll be seeing The Proposal. We've seen the trailors for both films and both of us commented simultaneously how fun is promised.

Your comments are completely valid, Nia. I'm also truly tired of the 60-year-old guy getting matched up in films with the 30-year-old girl.

Its ok to be average....Our society is so damn shallow and
wrapped up in looks and money. In the end, what matters is
WHO you are.

We saw your life, in Ruins, and loved it! It was the only thing playing that didn't have an alien, a cartoon, a demonic reference, or men behaving badly!
Loved the stereotypes! Hilarious!
Loved the self-deprecating narration.
Loved the slow bloom of romance with the most unlikely of leading men.
Loved the real history you snuck in while everyone pretended to be bored.
Loved the top billing ice cream got!
Loved the flashes of insight into what's underneath mouthy exteriors.
Loved the way you led us into the redemptive side of story telling, when a group begins to see each other's soft under bellies and submits to change.
And if I saw you in the grocery story, your eyes would be the ones glazing over because I would pepper you with questions about that adoption, and your friendship with Rita and Tom, your real family, and what we should see first when we visit Greece because your movie put it at the top of our "To See First" list!! Beautiful...

Thank you, thank you, thank you.
A Life in Ruins can be a Beautiful Thing!

"It’s just weight. Just 40 pounds of fat now gone from my body, but wow, it’s pretty much all I get asked about. In the last year, I got to star in a movie, wrote and directed my next one, and adopted a three year old from American Foster Care. But guess what I’m asked…how did I lose the weight?"

AMEN, sister! Been there, done that, but fortunately for me I am not in the spotlight. Why do people think that my weight gain or loss is their business? Why is that the most important question they have? Makes no sense to me.

Hey Nia,
(Am I really talking to you? Cool!)
Who cares what women weigh? Other women! Like you said, "it's our fault."
Haven't personally read, but have heard about, the heinous blogs in which girls trash supposedly "fat" celebrities. Girl-on-girl abuse. Isn't it hard enough to make it in a man's world without dragging each other down? Apparently not!
Sure, a lot of men like the eye candy of the world; but most probably just wish we'd shut up about weight already!

I'm guessing that studio exec also doesn't know that women not only go to movies, but they MAKE them too. Shock, horror.

Nia, great job. I love your attitude, I think you're a great filmmaker, and I wish you lots of success. I'm sure you'll get it, because it seems like you achieve what you put your mind too.

I wish more teenage (and preteen, sheesh) girls had women like you for role models. We can only try.

This is the most refreshing and wonderful article or piece of written information I've read on the internet all year. Thanks, Nia. I love your honesty. We need more of it these days.

I just love her!! Go, Nia!!

Way to go, Nia! I could probably lose the equivalent of one of you, and perhaps posting this on my fridge and in my office will help. For the most part, my blood is good, but limbo dancing wrecked my knees for days.

Luckily, those around me don't think of me as fat, so I am grateful for that. For the time being, though, I'll be full of "fatitude" and, hopefully, get myself in gear soon.

Thank you for the inspiration, and good luck to you.

Hey Nia! I loved you Greek Wedding and my kids love you in it too! I never gave a thought to you and John Corbett! You're perfect together! I will see your film because I think the smaller projects tend to have the better, more unique ideas. BTW, you look lovely. You looked lovely then, too!

Go Nia!

I call myself fat all the time, and people do the "aw shucks" thing and use some euphemism instead: stocky, built, curvy, whatever. No. I know the skinny me. And now I know the fat me. And I know the really really fat me, but I lost her. Now I'm just the fat me.

So good for you (and me) for calling a spade a spade. Or chocolate ice cream chocolate ice cream. It's really ok.

Sheesh.

These are some of the wisest and funniest remarks about weight gain, weight loss, women and reality I have heard in quite a while. I love it and WILL be supporting the "girl movies". Thanks for a shot in the arm for me and my body – which I think is pretty darn hot at 54 years old, and with a few extra pounds!

Nothing like a great movie with a strong female lead! I love My Big Fat Greek Wedding because it reminds me of home and everyone I know loves it too:) We definitely need more movies like this one. Thank you Nia Vardalos!!!

Thank you for saying it out loud...tired of weight being the issue for women or men! We can be smart, funny, sexy, great friends, good parents, wonderful partners and just all over mazing humans but the whispers will be...wow, she is gaining weight, what is wrong with her?...Grow up American media and let everyone be happy...it allows you to be happy as well...

Right on Nia – wish we could be friends, you are so happening!

If I head out to see a film foolishly thinking, "she wouldn't want to see that," I'm in for it later. I enjoy watching movies, but trust me, she's the one who wants to see everything, and I mean everything, coming out. A narrow-minded bean-counter exec has no more of a realistic idea what films individual people enjoy anymore than they know what medical equipment a doctor really needs to treat a patient, or what materials a teacher really needs to effectively educate children. We'd better get these arrogant and ignorant fools out from behind the wheel of our economy before they send us careening over a cliff–...oh, wait...

Yes, PLENTY of women go to the movies. I don't know what statistical baloney he pulled that foolishness from. Over the last three to four years I have become an avid movie goer. Most of the movies I see have a mostly female audience....except for when I went to see Transformers during the opening weekend. There were definitely more men than women.

As far as the portrayal of females in Hollywood, I always applaud female leads who look like the rest of the U.S. – without all of the photoshoot make up. You looked wonderful in My Big Fat Greek Wedding and you look wonderful now! Keep those movies coming!

Congratulations on achieving your goal to make better decisions about your health!

Oh! And congratulations on the kiddie you just adopted. )

Nia,

Great article....and I don't recall you being fat in "Greek Wedding". Even though that was a "chick-flik" that my wife loves, I enjoyed it too.....very well written and funny.

Sounds like the producers out there are morons. No wonder Hollywood keeps losing money. They have no idea what we "real folks" want to see. Serves them right. They're probably next on the list for a federal bailout.

I can kind of relate to those folks who are asking you how you did it. I've got a good deal to lose myself, and since I am plugging along on the diet/exercise treadmill, it's always good to see people succeed, ad there's always a curiosity as to what their method was. Anything you say about "I did it through diet and exercise" is a motivator and inspiration to those who are still in the trenches.

It is a big deal. It can be a matter of life and death, it can mean the difference between misery and happiness. As a very large (no pun intended) percentage of the population is struggling with obesity, the issue is one that a majority of folks can closely relate to and identify with. Of course your adoption and career accomplishments are important and congratulations! But a smaller number of people can directly relate to those accomplishments. For those pursuing the holy grail of permanent weight loss, anyone who has succeeded is an icon.

Regardless, congrats on all levels. Sounds like you're in a very good place!

Are you kidding me? You were beautiful in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and you are beautiful now!

Congratulations on becoming a mom and on all your professional success. Oh, and on getting healthier. You were always gorgeous.

Craig...Hollywood's version of "healthy" is NOT...do you know how many stars have eating issues and what about our super athleyes who do drugs to get that bod...and how many models live on cigarettes and coffee interspersed with a drink or a drug?
Congrats on the 30...hey I am a runner as well and know when i do not train I need to cut back but do not assume thin (translated to beauty by you) is healthy...sooo not true!

BTW, just so I'm not misunderstood, I say all this in complete agreement that weight gets the wrong attention. I saw you in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", and thought you were beautiful! For me, weight is more a matter of health and self-care than beauty. I had no choice than to act in my case as my family has high rate of incident of diabetes and high blood pressure; I had to get the weight off.

I have to say that Nia Vardalos is my new favorite person.

Amen Craig! I think people should be whatever they want, thin, fat whatever. If you chose to be fat, Don't act surprised that "conventionally" attractive people are not interested in you.

Um, so let me get this straight the only people at the movie theaters are guys? I think the studio exec might have a lot of fat between the ears.

Amen!

The Ambien-induced look is because people don't want to hear the truth. It takes discipline, hard work and time. There is no mystery pill. Tell them there's a mystery pill and they'd be wide awake taking notes on what it is and where to find it.

You make many valid points about how men and women are perceived differently when it comes to fat. I also love the fact that you mentioned women have brought the "thin is in" culture on themselves by supporting the countless magazines focused on looks. As a male, I've gone from 220 lbs in December to 180 now..and I get the SAME blank stare when I tell people "diet and excercise". I love to throw in also that I can't remember the last time I accepted food through a window. Good job on weight and yes people, it can be done the 'ol fashioned "weigh".

Every woman I know loves and goes to the movies, my wife, my daughter, daughter in law, my mother when she was here, my mother in law, aunts, sisters in law, women cousins,women friends, women work friends,etc. What is it with these studio exes. Do they live on another planet and if not they should? Go Nia!! signed by a man who loves woman and especially ones who go to the movies.

Nia, I loved you in MBFGW, and thought you were just beautiful...a role model! I love your attitude...you made my day with this article! Thank you. Common sense isn't all that common...what a concept, to eat less and move more. I might just try it at that! Thank you!

Nia, you are absolutely gorgeous. Thank you for writing such a candid article and thanks for all your fantastic work in the movie industry. We need more beautiful, genuine women like you out there!

Nia, your beautiful now and you were beautiful in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. But really I am a fan, because I thought you were charming and funny in MBFGW. I also liked seeing a different face on the big screen. As lovely as Courtney Cox and Jennifer Anniston are, their beauty has become generic because every actress and starlet emulates them. Please don't become generic.

I must admit I am a woman who does not go to the movies. Why? Because I have three kids, a full time job, a dog, a home and a husband. Who has the time? I watch movies in rerun on cable tv when I get the chance, if it is something that will make me laugh. Maybe the studio execs should stop with the stupid reality series and put some funny escapist movies on tv. I want to laugh at the end of the day and don't want to leave my house to do it. Or here's an even better idea....put out a really well-written, well-acted "chick flick" every year. If it is good enough, I will leave my house to see it. Until then, the only thing to get me out of the house comes from Pixar studios.

"women don’t go to movies"

TRANSLATION

Women only want to go to movies with well written scripts, realistically depicted people, and extended, thought provoking dialog. Those are more expensive in the long run. And they're totally not fun to write or direct.

Men will happily watch two hours of drivel as long as you give them an occasional explosion, blood, and pretty girls.

It's a matter of fitness rather than weight. Look at the anorexic -what did they used to called them – starlettes. (And, medically speaking, data backs that up. You live longer (and better) if you are fat and fit than lean (skinny) and unfit.) So continue to chase those chips!

(If you want glamour, look at Mae West, Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, etc. They would all be considered fat and uncastable in today's world.)

This fake world of Hollywood also perpetuates the stereotype of youth. Somehow, the world only includes 20 something women. Men are allowed to be older. (Although they still prefer the stereotyped "All -American" look.) Until you become a "crone", the wise old woman – gray, wrinkled, but still skinny.

Sometimes we want pure fantasy. Sometimes we just want to have a good story.

Tell those nutty execs that it's the woman who usually gets the couple to go out to the movies. Maybe only 17 year old boys go together (I doubt that.)

Who ever said you are "below average" in looks is nuts... you are a gorgeous woman.

I have no idea who is setting the "standards" out there in Hollywood, but I suspect its a group of people who really have no interest in real women.

Be healthy, be happy about who you are, believe me, I am attracted to women for how they present themselves and if you have a healthy body to match all the more better.

Keep up the great work!

My new jelly roll around my midrift has made me so paranoid about being seen in public. No excuses, but because of some health issues and being one who never really excerised or had to diet, I know it's on my shoulders. However, any one who is not of the desired look of Hollywood is made to feel very bad. I am 62 yrs old and within the last two years, my mid waist is bigger. I am sorry if you do not want to look my way. You are, however, missing a generous, fun-loving, deeply devoted family female who is easy on the eyes. Shoot, I am going for pizza and my all time favorite "chocolate". I am less than 15 lbs overweight but I feel like I am 50 lbs heavier. When I do get so disgusted with myself, I pray I have the desire to do something about it.

Amen sistah!!!!

Oh, I also forgot to say that I love the movies even though it is too expensive, I will be there for a good flick. And yes, I will buy the popcorn and soda with utter enjoyment.

I love Nia's attitude. Attitudes about women and weight (especially in America) which are propelled and reinforced by media have a lot to do with why we have eating disorder and body image epidemics in this country. It is so true–why are men allowed to be overweight (and older) and nobody bats an eye, but if a woman is not a size 6 (or is over a certain age) she is crucified or ignored? Isn't it is just another way of keeping women "in their place"?

You ROCK, Nia!!! I loved, Loved, LOVED My Big Fat Wedding and want to see My Life in Ruins – not because you've lost weight, but because you're an amazing and hilarious actress. Thanks for setting everyone straight. I am definitely sending this aritlce to all of my friends.

She is everything I wish to embody. Thanks for putting this up, Anderson! I'm SO tired of hearing about Miss Skinny-big-boobed-plasto woman. I love this lady.......

Marry me

...er...wait...my wife might get mad.

Holy Crap that is awesome!

It was a nice article (much better than most of the swill written by the hacks in journalism)..Her point was well made but there is a hoplessness in the end. I disagree that it is our own fault as far as weight gain. The corporate media and entertainment BUSINESS don't care if we all die from too much food or purge ourselves so we can pass through secuity unnoticed. As long as they keep us CONSUMING and PAYING to the Rich Elite it does not matter one whit to them. A few people get it...but the mass majority have been hypnotised into believing the lies on TV and Movies. This is like a food chain for the Rich and we are the bottom feeders. It all comes down to our Economic system. Capitialism is a horrible evil system...and Global Capitalism is it's latest incaration. Please, someone get a stake and drive it deep into it's cold blooded heart.

You rock girl! Everyone woman shoule be able to look in the mirrow and love themselves. And hey, write a book you writer you!!! And all those overweight males stars, yep double standard- same for gray hair and glasses- ok for men...

I thought Nia was beautiful in My Big Fat Greek Wedding and never once thought about her size. It makes me sick that it is the first topic she is asked about. Hollywood needs to get over themselves and stop telling the rest of us what is and is not attractive. I totally agree with her point about the double standard for men. Regarding women not going to movies...I have been complaining for years that rarely is a movie advertised that makes me want to go and see it. Maybe if they went back to making good movies that showed real women, we would go back to the theater. By the way, don't take me for a bitter, overweight woman since I know that is what you are thinking. I am a size 4 and feel this way.

Take that bag of Doritos and throw it as far as you can. Now chase after it. Pick it up, do it again.”

OMG! This is why I love your comedy. Stay Groovy!

.. Unfortunately the films/TV now days are not of the same caliber as they were and neither are the people. As for women not going to the movies .. I work in the movie industry and see the research percentage all the time. So whoever said that is just 'ignorant'. As for showing women imperfections/age .. the insecure women will just laugh it off .. and the insecure men will be forever unhappy. I grab the rags to get fashion tips, not to pick at my inperfections. Again .. women are mentally stronger, healthier and know when their minds are being pulled. Men aren't necessary their just one aspect of the equation. Be strong women and walk with confidence. You'll forever be simply beautiful.

Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.

I simply love you woman! LOVE YOU and love all my female leads.

Nia – You were gorgeous in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and you're gorgeous now. I'm proud of you for not trying to take the "easy" way out on your weight loss. The fact is, you gotta eat and you gotta move. I'm on my way down on the scale myself and it's a daily struggle but i'm doing it for me and for the grandchildren I want to play with some day.

Great article! People are obsessed with looks, and I don't think that will change. I personally think fat men are less attractive than fit men, and I think a lot of people would agree with me there, but it doesn't seem to matter as much for men as it does for women in Hollywood.
I think Nia Vardalos makes a great point that there isn't an easy way to lose weight but people are still looking for one regardless. I'm a physician and I'm angered by advertisers who use phrases like "the weight loss secret doctors don't want you to know about". We have no secrets, we want our overweight patients to lose weight, and we want our patients with eating disorders and body image issues to get healthy too. These challenges are tough to overcome in the current social climate.

Nia, this put such a huge smile on my face! I absolutely loved you in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and I can't wait to see "My Life in Ruins." All of my friends and family just loved your first movie, so I was so upset to hear the kind of feedback you were getting from Hollywood. If it helps, please know that your portrayal of a normal, curvy girl made a lot of normal looking girls feel great about ourselves! You and John Corbett had fantastic chemistry. You are so talented and know how to connect with your audience, which is so important!! Also, congratulations on the adoption of your daughter. I read your blog entry on people.com; you are a real role model for young girls like me. Continue to stay positive and speak your mind!! You are a sweetheart.

Well said!

I thought you looked great in "MBFGW".

Nia I love My Big Fat Greek Wedding and am sure your new movie is just as hilarious. And you are so right who cares it's just fat. I just graduated college and the advice my aunt gave me was watch out, you gain the most weight your first year in college and the year after you graduate. So I have been frantically dieting and exercising the last month to prove her wrong. But who cares if I gain a few pounds? I'm only a size 4 a few pounds wont hurt me. Thanks for your blog

Nia:

I love your style.

By the way, "flukes" is a translation for: "I'm a male in Hollywood who has a monster-sized ego that doesn't want to be questioned, and an I.Q. that is lower than my age."

Keep on pounding 'em, girl!

You write what I'm sure so many of us think. I would add that age is often treated the same way. Remember how in "The Bridges of Madison County" all they could talk about is how Meryl Streep, a middle aged woman, was having an sexual adventure at her age?? Never mind that it was with Clint Eastwood – many years her senior. No one talked about his sexuality.
The double standards make me crazy!!

Excellent article!

One thing from a male perspective? I certainly worry about my weight and it's a constant back and forth struggle between healthy and chubby. Perhaps some men don't care but we are also bombarded by all the images of perfect looking dudes. In a lot of our minds to impress the woman we are interested in starts with a glance across the room and sizing up how fit we look.

you go girl! you are a hottie inside and out! My sister is a big, beautiful woman and I am not-she is too sexy and smart and thinks like you. Nia, you keep on being you! Thank you for that- we need more of women like you!

From as far back as The Honeymooners up to the sitcoms of today (with few exceptions) all couples consist of a pretty smart woman and a fat stupid man. Men can get old, they can be fat, it's all good. I love your attitude. By the way, you are beautiful.

Thank you for speaking the truth. We need more people with your attitude!

I love it! Nia was a gorgeous, voluptuous woman of Mediterranean descent when she made "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"; to call her unattractive is a crock! I have the same issues with the lookism double-standard - you can have the sloppiest, laziest, stupidest men protrayed in TV and movies and pair them up with gorgeous, intelligent (?) women, over and over and over. Like that is real life! But let a woman gain or lose ten pounds and it's NEWS! I'm glad she blasted them!!

I am glad to see that you were able to lose the weight, but I'm more glad that you lost it for the right reasons. I hope you do decide to talk about your weight loss in order to educate people about the health issues associated with being overweight and, hopefully, take the focus off of beauty.

Did the reviewer see the same film that I did (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) 'cuz I thought you were adorable (I know-who calls a grown woman adorable), but you were. I'm a woman and it never crossed my mind that you two were in different leagues; I thought your transformation in the movie was PART of the movie (duh).

Don't listen to the critics. You look awesome-before and after. I think size 2 women are freaky (I'm a nurse and emaciated should NOT be an aspiration...it is on the verge of gross. it has one foot over the line and is about to jump).

Amy

Excellent!! Thank you so much for saying this straight from working in Hollywood. To the people who said you shouldn't have been matched up with John Corbett - a) you were beautiful then, and b) he looked like a dork when he had long hair. Absolutely, positively true about the double standard about men's weight/looks.

I worry for my daughter because she has similar health problems, and it is a BIG struggle to maintain a healthy diet. At the same time, most of her friends are skinny minnies, and she wants to be able to hang out with them and eat what they do.

Our young woman are hit with so many false "ideals" day in and day out; they need all the encouragement we can give them. Thank you, Nia, for a great commentary.

I saw your movie My Life in Ruins and loved it! I also loved Star Trek and Terminator. I also love Sex in the City. Please, women don't go to movies. What a moron. I love all genre's, as do a lot of women. I will be buying this movie when it comes out on DVD.

Way to go Miss. Vardalos, I enjoyed My Big Fat Greek Wedding and I am looking forward to see My Life in Ruins. I don't know yet when its coming out in the Philippines but I will definitely watch it. The studio executive is one big moron, chauvinistic pig, women do go to the movies. I know because I often watch movies at the cinema and love movies with women as their leads/heroines.

You were fat and unattractive in My Big Fat Greek Wedding? News to me? I enjoy going to movies more than my husband does, but with 3 little kids and a tight budget, I/we don't get out to them much.

THANK YOU so much for your wonderfully positive attitude toward your weight and your job. I get sick of seeing teeny tiny young actresses with old guys – how is it supposed to be an escapist fantasy for me to see a woman more impossibly beautiful than me on the screen? I don't watch many 'women's movies' simply because they don't ring true. Any movie, for example, where an 'unattractive' actress is made over into a bombshell simply by getting a haircut makes me gag. It's so ludicrous I can't even understand how we're being expected to believe in it.

Wow! Nia, I love you! It's so refreshing to hear someone from the world of celebrity speak the truth. Yes, I support female movies and love to see women in lead roles. Thank you!

Kudos to you, whatever size you may be!

As a fat-girl-movie-buff, I can't believe that a movie exec said that we women don't go to movies! I love all types of movies and have been to see at least 20 in the last six months. In fact, I would challenge that "professional" movie exec to a round of movie trivia any day of the week. Then I would be able to add him to the long list of people that refuse to play against me.

Nia, you were beautiful in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", and you're beautiful now\!

Nia, you are just GREAT!!!!!!

Funny! But the real story here is the neurosis behind her and other women buying subscriptions to the women's magazines about cellulite! Follow up please! And Women don't go to movies because they are full of infantile boys, such as Will Farrell.

Until fat actors respect themselves, and refuse to be cast into roles where they are portrayed as gluttonous, simpltons, then they will not be respected by directors, producers, their peers, or the audience.

I thought you were beautiful in big fat greek wedding. And you are beautiful now. I can't believe those execs said you were below average. I am stunned. You are obviously not below average. What a bunch of pompous jerks. I hope they all gain 100 pounds each!

Nia, Thanks so much for your honesty. I have never responded to an article before but you have inspired me. I go to the movies and love all kinds of movies. How can anyone say woman don't go to movies. I saw Pelman 123 today and Angels & Demons last week. Looking forward to your movie and the new Sandra Bullock movie. I too had blood sugar levels over 400. Always looking for that magic weight fix. I started walking and completely changed my diet and am down 30 lbs in 6months and ran my first 5K race at the age of 59. Your words will stay with me and I will stay the course.

I am standing at my computer giving this article a standing ovation! THANK YOU! Thank you for speaking up, speaking out and being REAL! Thank you!

I find it amusing that my nasty sister in law, when she thinks she's insulting me, calls me fat. I love myself, I think I look gorgeous, and so does my husband. If you love yourself, it shows, and it doesn't matter what other people label you. And, btw, I thought you looked beautiful in MBFGW. I can't wait to see your new movie!

*applauds*

Okay but...the thing is...she wasn't fat in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Not even remotely close...and she IS pretty. So...yeah...

It is so much easier for a reporter to ask stupid questions about your weight than it is to formulate an interesting question about your life as a director and writer or your life altering decision to adopt a child. You just have to take pity on their lack of in depth reporting. They can't go to your talent as an actress as we all know how great you are, what more can be said?

"below average looks" No way! You are HOT and don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise!

First off, Congrats on your daughter!

Second, Amazing article. I am a woman of size and it is so very hard to find a real role model for us bigger girls. And you are right, we do it to ourselves by obsessing over every wrinkle, fat fold and wiggley arm flab we find in the mirror or shower.

Its time we stopped obsessing over our weight and start obsessing on our lives and how to make it great.

And last of all, I go to the movies every weekend. Last one I saw? Star Trek.. Next one? My Life in Ruins and The Hangover. I make it a point to go to any movie out there that peaks my interest. Your exec is an idiot.

It's about time that being "fat" and not a size zero is normal. Good for Nia, I think she is beautiful just the way she is.

How refreshing. I think Nia is beautiful now and was beautiful when she was first in the public eye. And, btw– John Corbett's not that hot. Just saying.

I just LOVE LOVE LOVE what you are saying about your weight loss. Why is it so important? Why should we be defined by our weight? It is all I think about. It consumes me. I put it on, I take it off, I put it on, I take it off. Why? For who? I am proud of you for standing up and saying, "ENOUGH!"

Right on, Nia! Now, do as I do and do not subscribe or buy any of those trashy publications that demean women and make women feel bad about being women!

Your down to earth attitude is delightful. As for your looks, we loved you in "MBFGW", and I am sure we'll love you in this new film. I may have to wait until a DVD is available, as we live in the mountains, and the selections our theatre gets are not always the ones I want to see. Best luck, and please keep on going!

My life in Ruins was awesome! Just saw it in the theatre.....the guy who plays her love interest is HOT HOT HOT! Girls you gotta go see. ;>D

- Sofia

And, yes, women DO go to the movies and we buy them on dvd and watch them over and over. That exec who thinks women don't, is more than out of touch with reality. Why is he in that job, anyway?

I saw it too and really enjoyed it! I was surprised that it was also heartwarming. And yes, the love interest was HOT HOT HOT!!!

Hollywood should learn that not everyone would like to hear vulgar language and view explicit sexual scenes in movies, More women and even more men would attend movies if they didn't feel as if they had wasted valuable time viewing trash. I for one enjoy light romantic comedies but not when the movie ends up pure filth.

A-to.the-Men, Sister! AMEN

Fantastic that you lost weight when you needed to and fantastic that you have such a great self-image. It is amazing that men and women are judged so differently on our physical "attributes." I remember the father of a friend when I was in high school (1969 grad) saying that no woman looked good in pants. He was considerably obese. When I told my mother that, she said that he didn't look very good in pants either!

This letter should be read by literally every teenager out there. Its so true how we as a society have implemented this criteria that to be beautiful, we need to be thin. That's just not true. It's so good to hear someone say that weight shouldn't be an issue, unless it becomes a health concern. I honestly blame the adults who feed themselves and their children food which has no nutritional benefits at all. People who know the difference between the good foods and the bad ones and still don't eat well, they are the ones that should be blamed and in the end they are because they end up with the health problems.

Nia
You were beautiful when you made Wedding and you are beautiful now. Anyone who says otherwise is blind or shallow.

See ya @ the movies ... thumbs up on the weight lose. It does feel good to shed weight w/ exercise & choosing better, healthier food. Live life to the fulliest !

Thank God. Thank you for being a true woman - a real one! Thank you, thank you, thank you. I applaud you, and I encourage every actress to be just as open and real – come on, Hollywood, get over it! Please!

I'm not going to comment on the weight loss but I want to say THANK YOU for adopting an American child. Our foster system is so overloaded, most people want babies. Thank you for giving a child a chance at a better life. You are a role model.

Nia,

Thank you so much for staying true to your God-given intelligence, wit and humor that reminds all of us to not take life so darn serious. You are an absolute delight.

I first saw you on David Letterman when you are promoting "Big, Fat, Greek Wedding" - John Corbett is handsome but I went to and bought the movie because of YOUR vivacious personality.

I'll take your "less than average looks" - (by the way those media-types are smokin' something to not see your gorgeous exterior that is only more illuminated by your off-the-charts glow that comes from within) with your no nonsense, common sense approach at life every day of the week over any of the other and oh so tired "lack of direction 'beautiful' people" out there.

Congratulations to you and your husband on your adoption! Thank you for not looking to the media/celebrity noise to gain your self-worth. You are so on the right road! Bless you!

I loved the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding". I didn't even recognize her in this picture. Yes, she absolutely looks great, but truth be told she was so fantastic in the movie that I thought she was "hot" then. In an odd way, "hotter". You have to understand that this is coming from a person that is as body conscious as they come. Hell, i'm even a good bit shallow. Chalk this up to her great acting I guess.

Score: Personality 1, shallowness 0. On a far more realistic note, great article. She rocks.

Bravo, beautiful lady. I knew I loved you.

I'm confused. When were you fat? I never thought you were fat. Did I miss this?

I wish more women in Hollywood, regular life, etc. were more refreshing like Nia is. She is genuine, classy, strong, intelligent, talented and beautiful in every sense of the word. If we'd spotlight more women like her, maybe we wouldn't have the slew of trash and women thinking uber skinny and overly sexy equals empowerment- somebody needs to blow that junk wide open! Hurray Nia!