The problem of obesity is a hot topic these days, so it’s about time that Hollywood stars like Renee Zellweger start seeing themselves as examples of good health. It has been reported that Renee will not be gaining weight for her sequel to the Bridget Jones movies; instead she’ll be donning a “fat suit.” Other Hollywood stars should put their foot down, too, and set a good example for their cute kid fan base!

Renee Zellweger was born in Katy, Texas, where she attended school. She actively participated in sports such as soccer and baseball in junior high school, but took up cheerleading, gymnastics, and drama club at Katy High School. She began acting in several school plays and went on to attend the University of Texas at Austin (majoring in English) where she took a drama class to fill her credits requirements. Despite her Dean’s List grades and model student status, she realized her love of acting and began to waitress to support herself.

While still living in Texas, she landed her first acting gig in a beef commercial and began auditioning for roles around the Houston area. Renee appeared in several films such as A Taste for Killing and 8 Seconds, but her first major movie role came with her part in Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation.

Renee moved to Los Angeles, California, and won roles in movies such as Empire Records and her career-boosting role in Jerry Maguire. In 2008, she produced Living Proof on Lifetime Television, but movies such as Bridget Jones’s Diary, Chicago, Cold Mountain, and her latest film My One and Only continue to secure her place in Hollywood.

[photo: AP Photo/Peter Kramer]

Do you feel that actors and actresses gaining weight for movie roles sets a bad example for today’s children?