Nicole RichieNicole RichieThis girl's weight has been the topic of much discussion.

And it appears that the debate continues, with the lady herself joining in.

Nicole Richie has bit back at rumours that she'd had gastric band surgery, calling the claims "absurd".

Earlier this week, the New York Post ran a story claiming an unnamed "Hollywood starlet" had the operation and has since had it reversed.

The word on the street identified Nicole Richie as the mystery girl.

However, not only has her publicist denied that this is the case, Miss Richie herself has waded in, accusing the press of trying to blight her attempts to gain weight.

She said: "So I gain a little bit of weight, and I'm accused of having a gastric bypass surgery reversed? It's pathetic to insinuate I have done this.

"Anyone who knows anything about this surgery would know that legally, you must be at least 100 pounds overweight to even have the surgery done, and this is a serious life-changing procedure.

"Not one to throw around as a joke or a rumour.

"I've given a statement I am in the process of putting on weight, and that should be enough.

"It's a shame that instead of hearing supportive words, someone needs to spin it in some negative, absurd way."

So that's that, then.