In a recent interview with Richard Simmons the exercise guru, he spoke out about Jessica Simpson’s weight gain and offered some advice. Simmons has been a key figure in the exercise and weight loss industry for decades. One reason he has lasted so long in the industry is that people respect him for having lost so much weight back in the early 1980s and he has kept it off ever since. He told Entertainment Tonight,

“I was 268 pounds—I’ve been there.”

He is definitely one who practices what he preaches. In regard to Jessica’s case, Simmons feels that people have to like themselves and be happy before they can actually take care of themselves. This is alluding to the report by Us Weekly that claimed Jessica has gained the weight because of an insecure relationship with her boyfriend, Tony Romo. Even though we know that a spokesperson for Jessica has deemed those rumors a farce, it seems as if Richard Simmons still believes there is something going on with Jessica’s emotional well-being.

“We eat for so many reasons, most of those reasons are emotional.” He then adds, “It’s just so tough to be exposed, and let people see you gain weight. I pray for all of those celebrities who are having a really tough time.”

As for Richard, he has spent the last three years working in public schools encouraging students to exercise and stay healthy. His 54^th exercise video, “Party Off The Pounds” is in stores now.

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