Beyoncé Knowles slams zero culture

May 20, 2007, 11:00 GMT

Beyonce Knowles performs on stage during her concert at the Hallenstadion in Zurich, Switzerland, on 09 May 2007. EPA/STEFFEN SCHMIDT

Beyoncé Knowles has slammed the current size zero trend.

The 25-year-old star - who shed 20lbs for her role in 'Dreamgirls' by fasting for two weeks on a liquid-only diet of water mixed with cayenne pepper and maple syrup - feels young girls are put under too much pressure to lose weight by the modelling world.

Beyoncé said: "There's so much pressure on young girls to be thin, it's unbelievable. You should be thinking about building up your character and having fun at that age, not how much you weigh.

"When I was 18 I was criticised for putting on a bit of weight - that's when I wrote the song 'Bootylicious'. It's a celebration of curves and a woman's natural body. I don't believe in being skinny."

Earlier this year, Beyoncé admitted she found the crash-course diet a nightmare and couldn't wait to start eating again because she looked like a "cotton bud".

The singer-and-actress, who is dating rapper Jay-Z, said: "I didn't recognise myself during filming because I looked like a cotton bud and that wasn't a nice feeling. I look better with a few pounds on my bones.

"I love fried fish, fried shrimp and all different types of pasta. If it's fattening, I love it! The trouble is it goes to my sides, my hips and my butt real quick."

(C) BANG Media International