Jennifer Hudson: I'd Fatten Up for Right Role

The actress famously dropped more than 80 pounds since entering the national spotlight on "American Idol"

Jennifer Hudson, who famously and dramatically slimmed down since entering the national spotlight as "the big girl" on "American Idol" would happily pack on pounds for the right role.

"I would gain weight in a heartbeat," the Grammy-winning singer said at a book signing in Atlanta. "I have no issues with that at all."

She's done it before. Hudson gained 20 pounds for her Oscar-winning role as Effie in "Dreamgirls" by eating fried food and sweets, People reported. And she could have done it again for a lead role in "Precious," which she turned down—not because she'd have to gain weight, but because it was "too graphic."

"When I do films, it has to be led by something through me — like my passion for it," Hudson said. "I just don't want to hop into anything. So if I commit myself to something, then it'll be worth it no matter what character it is."

Still, fitness and healthy eating is a top priority for Hudson, and the subject of her new book, "I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down," which focuses on her pre-fame weight issues.

Hudson is a spokeswoman for Weight Watchers and wants to remain physically fit along with her fiance David Otunga, who has recently been wrestling for the World Wrestling Entertainment. They both want to set an early example of staying in shape for their 2-year-old son.

"We really didn't realize how important health was until we were adults," she said. "We wanted to make sure we set an example for our son. He's health conscious, and I am health conscious."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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