TV presenter Giuliana Rancic has always had a slim build but in recent months her thin frame has really come under fire in the media.

During awards season, the E! presenter took to the red carpet in a number of strapless and sleeveless dresses which highlighted just how low her weight had become.

Amid speculation of an eating disorder, the 40-year-old star has spoken out about the harsh criticism she received, and says her slender frame is nothing do with her eating, but rather the cancer-suppressing medication she has been taking since 2012.

"I look in the mirror and it's hard for me," she confesses. "I am really thin. I want to look fit and beautiful and sexy, and I can't." 

Giuliana, who underwent a double masectomy in 2011, told People magazine that some of the comments about her weight have been extremely hurtful. "Some people were saying, 'The cancer is probably back'… And they were accusing me of every eating disorder. I thought to myself, 'God, if someone really thought I had an eating disorder, what a horrible way to approach it.'" 

Speaking about the medication's effect on her weight, Giuliana says her doctor had informed her that increased metabolism could be a likely side effect. "I started noticing that I was eating a lot, but not gaining weight at all," she said. "I was concerned… I eat more than any of my friends. I eat a very robust, healthy, balanced diet and dessert almost every night. I'm not hiding from anything."

The mum-of-one says that her weight issue became particularly upsetting during this year's award season. "I never want my weight to distract people from what I do," she says. "But it is becoming a distraction, [whenever] I wear something sleeveless, show my arms, my back." 

One major publication even backed out of a photoshoot with Giuliana, telling her she was too skinny. "That was really hurtful," she says. "I thought, 'Wow, I'm on cancer medication. I'm doing the best that I can.'"

Regardless of the criticism, Giuliana says she maintains a positive attitude. "I refuse to be broken [by what people say]," she says. "I have so many beautiful things in my life." 

Inspiring words.