'I'm glad folks think I look different': Zellweger responds to recent talk about her appearance

Oscar-winning actress Renée Zellweger, best known for her roles in Empire Records, Jerry Maguire and Bridget Jones's Diary, has spoken out about the increased attention she has received in recent days regarding her looks.

Zellweger made a rare public appearance on Monday at the Elle magazine Women in Hollywood party in Beverly Hills.

The 45-year-old soon became a trending topic on Twitter, with a number of people claiming they did not recognise her because she looked different.

The Chicago actress told People magazine she is fine with their observations because she's healthier and happier than ever.

"I'm glad folks think I look different! I'm living a different, happy, more fulfilling life, and I'm thrilled that perhaps it shows," she said.

However Zelwegger said the conversation about her appearance is "silly" and she was only addressing it because "the folks who come digging around ... won't get off my porch until I answer the door".

Zellweger said for a long time she was not taking proper care of her own health, but her slower-paced lifestyle and happy relationship with her boyfriend Doyle Bramhall has changed that.

"Perhaps I look different. Who doesn't as they get older? But I am different, I'm happy," she said.