Nia Vardalos in 2004 (left) and 2009 (right). Photos: Getty Images

Nia Vardalos thought she was attractive when she shot "My Big Fat Greek Wedding." However, according to a post she wrote on the Anderson Cooper 360 blog, studio execs and movie reviewers disagreed, calling her "overweight, unattractive, and unappealing."

In the past year, Vardalos has starred in a movie, wrote and directed another and adopted a three-year-old child. However, the fact that she lost 40 pounds is what people are asking her about, and she just doesn't understand what the big, fat deal is.

"I had a blood sugar problem so my Doctor ordered me to lose weight, it was really hard but I did it through diet, exercise and it took a year," writes Vardalos, adding that, when she tells people this "secret," their eyes glaze over and "I might as well just shove an Ambien up their nostril."

So, most people don't want to hear about how hard weight loss is. No surprise. Something else that doesn't surprise Vardalos? The big, fat double standard that women face.

"I was asked over and over again [while on the publicity tour for "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"], if, as the writer, I felt it was a fair depiction of real life to have someone of my er, below average looks, hook up with hottie John Corbett," recalled Vardalos.

Yet, nobody bats an eye when Seth Rogan lands Katherine Heigl in "Knocked Up," or Paul Giamatti ends up with Virginia Madsen in "Sideways." Why? Because our society just doesn't think men's weight is such a big deal. And every time we buy a one of those "Stars With Cellulite" magazines, we're perpetuating the problem. Vardalos isn't pointing fingers -- she admits she has a subscription.

Vardalos thinks we need to put fat in perspective. "It's actually not a naughty word," she writes. "We give it a power it doesn't actually have. So, you're fat. Big deal."

If you want to lose weight, here's her advice: "Take that bag of Doritos and throw it as far as you can. Now chase after it. Pick it up, do it again. Or don't. You don't have to lose weight, unless like me, it becomes an issue of health."