Atlanta 11/17/2010 10:17:18 PM
News / Health & Wellness

Kelly Osbourne blames taunts about her weight for her former drug addiction.

The 26-year-old star, who has lost 50lbs since her appearance on last year's 'Dancing With The Stars,’ said criticism of her size when she was younger ruined her self esteem and made her “hate” herself.

Kelly – the daughter of Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne - said: “I understand that being judged by others comes with the territory, but it broke my heart and ruined my self esteem.

“It sets you up to hate yourself in a huge way. I was so angry about the things people said about me. I truly believe it’s the main reason I turned to Vicodin and ended up in rehab three times. I just hated myself.”

Kelly - who split from fiance Luke Worrall earlier this year amid rumours he had cheated on her – admitted she had once been an emotional eater who binged on calorific snacks and only managed to change her ways thanks to the guidance of her ‘Dancing with the Stars’ partner Louis van Amstel.

She told Shape magazine: “I used to eat chips and cookies and drink soda all day long. I had to start making better choices.

“I indulge with pizza and cheese - I love Brie - and have cookies sometimes. But now, when I’m full I stop eating! It may have taken me 26 years to figure it out, but I’ve finally learned how to do it right.'

“Louis made me eat turkey burgers and salads. Then I started losing weight and realised, ‘Oh, it’s true what they say: Diet and exercise really work!’ ”