LOS ANGELES, Calif. --

Scarlett Johansson has lashed out at the tabloids for suggesting she has undertaken an extreme regimen to get in shape for her upcoming role in “Iron Man 2.”

In an essay for The Huffington Post, the actress, known for her dry delivery and her curves, defended getting in shape for her new part.

“Since dedicating myself to getting into ‘superhero shape,’ several articles regarding my weight have been brought to my attention. Claims have been made that I’ve been on a strict workout routine regulated by co-stars, whipped into shape by trainers I’ve never met, eating sprouted grains I can’t pronounce and ultimately losing 14 pounds off my 5’3” frame,” Scarlett, who will play the Black Widow in the upcoming Jon Favreau directed film, wrote. “Losing 14 pounds out of necessity in order to live a healthier life is a huge victory. I’m a petite person to begin with, so the idea of my losing this amount of weight is utter lunacy. If I were to lose 14 pounds, I’d have to part with both arms. And a foot. I’m frustrated with the irresponsibility of tabloid media who sell the public ideas about what we should look like and how we should get there.”

Scarlett continues on in her piece to slam publications and the effect of their celebrity weight-loss articles on young people.

“I’m someone who has always publicly advocated for a healthy body image and the idea that the media would maintain that I have lost an impossible amount of weight by some sort of ‘crash diet’ or miracle workout is ludicrous,” Scarlett continued. “I believe it’s reckless and dangerous for these publications to sell the story that these are acceptable ways to looking like a ‘movie star.’ It’s great to get tips on how to lead a healthier lifestyle, but I don’t want some imaginary account of ‘How She Did It!’ I get into and stay in shape by eating a proper diet and maintaining a healthy amount of exercise. The press should be held accountable for the false ideals they sell to their readers regarding body image — that’s the real weight of the issue.”

Scarlett admitted she’s been working out to fit into her slinky costume, but she is still enjoying some of her favorite foods.

“There is no magic wand to wave over oneself to look good in a latex catsuit,” she wrote. “Eating healthy and getting fit is about commitment, determination, consistency and the dedication to self-preservation. While I’ve never been considered a gym rat, I have, in fact, worked up a sweat in the name of cardio before, and although I enjoy a grilled cheese as much as the next person, I combine the not-so-good foods I crave with an all-around balanced diet.”

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