Charlize Theron says her modeling career was hampered by the fashion industry telling her to lose weight, NOW reports.

Speaking to News24.com, the Oscar-winning actress said: "I had the capability to be a bigger model than I was. They were always telling me, 'Lose five pounds and you'll be a supermodel'. But I saw modeling like waitressing - it was a way to pay for another career, and that career was dance."

Theron had to give up her dreams of becoming a dancer when she injured her knee at 19. Turning to acting, she picked up an Academy Award for her portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in 2003's Monster.