Richie: 'i don't have an eating disorder'

Nicole Richie has blasted critics who have suggested her recent weight loss is linked to an eating disorder - calling the accusations "insulting and irresponsible."

The reality TV socialite regained her svelte figure just months after giving birth to her second child, son Sparrow, in September (09).

But her post-baby body has attracted some unwanted attention, with online gossips speculating she's taking her diet to extremes.

However, Richie is adamant she's happy and healthy.

She tells Marie Claire magazine, "I felt it was a little unfair to say someone has an eating disorder when they don't. It's extremely insulting and irresponsible. An eating disorder is serious and it's a disease. I think when you see me in person, you see that I'm, like, five foot one - I'm a small person. When I was heavier, everyone said I was too heavy. You can't win in the public eye and I find it really hard. So I ignore it now, I really do.

"The only time it bothered me was when I was in a store trying on shoes and these girls came up to me - they were probably like 13 or 14 - and their mother came over, and she said, 'Are you taking care of yourself, because my girls think that you're not.' That was upsetting."