Jennifer Hudson turned down 'Precious' role because of weight gain

In Jennifer Hudson's upcoming book "I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down," the actress talks about why she turned down the lead role in the Oscar-nominated film, "Precious."

"I had (gained weight) with Effie (in "Dreamgirls")," she explains in an excerpt from Uptown Magazine. "And as much as I was moved by this film, I wanted to try a role that had nothing whatsoever to do with my weight." In the novel "Push" by Sapphire, which the film "Precious" is based on, the main character is described as weighing 300 lbs.

Hudson has famously lost over 80 lbs on Weight Watchers since winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Dreamgirls." (She is now a Weight Watchers spokesperson.) The role of Precious eventually went to newcomer Gabourey Sidibe. She was nominated for the Oscar for Best Actress for the role. Well, Hudson may have passed up a chance to have a second golden statue, but she looks pretty fantastic now.

"I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down" will be available in stores on January 10th.