(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Jennifer Hudson has revealed that she felt an "obligation" to lose weight after becoming a mother.

The Oscar winning actress gave birth to son David Otunga Jr in August 2009 and says that was her catalyst to finally getting into better shape.

In a new interview with Good Housekeeping, the multi-talented star says that her son only recognises her as she is now.

"He's never known me overweight," she told the magazine about her toddler. "If he sees a clip of the old Jennifer from Dreamgirls, he doesn't know who it is."

"Everything changed the day my son was born. Motherhood brought tremendous responsibilities none greater than the obligation I felt to get healthy and be there for my son.

"David deserved to have a mama who could run after him without getting wounded or tired, to have a role model who could teach him to make healthy food choices.

"I needed him to grow up with a mama who always would be there for him by caring enough about herself to take control of her health and her eating."

Jennifer's inspirational weight loss journey has also led to her large family in Chicago to lose weight too.

"Over 75 of them are on Weight Watchers, and they've lost over 2,000 pounds altogether," she said proudly. "My cousin beat me she's lost 112 pounds!" (C) Cover Media