Singer Jessica Simpson has revealed that while she was concerned about reports criticising her weight gain, she found that many countries outside the US prefer their women to be big.

Simpson, 29, who had made a trip to Africa recently for a programme for VH1 about the world's various social standards of beauty, was shocked to find that she was considered too underweight to be attractive in their culture.

According to Digital Spy, Simpson revealed one trip to Uganda with friend her CaCee Cobb that found particularly eye opening.

"The men told CaCee and I that we would have to [gain weight] for them to consider marrying us!" the Daily Telegraph quoted her as telling Us Weekly. (ANI)