Jessica Simpson's weight struggle has been a topic of discussion for many years, and now, the mother and new wife is striking back at her critics once again.

During an interview with NBC's Matt Lauer on the "Today" show, the 32-year-old singer and fashion designer talked about trying to get her post-baby weight back after giving birth to her two kids - two-year-old daughter Maxwell and 14-month-old son Ace.

After giving birth, the media harshly criticized Simpson's weight; however Eric Johnson's wife said the media "empowers" her "to rise above and stand up for all the women out there that do have trouble losing the weight."

"It wasn't really my priority to please the public and make them feel like I'm supposed to be looking like I did when I was 25," she said about her new body. "I don't think that I wasn't still a sex symbol [with the weight]. To my husband, I was still extremely sexy. I have feelings and hormones."

Lauer asked the actress if she felt any pressure to return to her "Dukes of Hazzard" body, Simpson replied that the only opinion that matters is her husband's.

The Weight Watchers spokeswoman added: "I got emotional about it at times, but if anything I just kind of wanted to be a champion for other women and say, 'We can do this.' [It] just feel(s) more comfortable in my skin."