Bebe Rexha recalls manager's advice to lose 20 pounds: 'It kind of messed me up'

Bebe Rexha is opening up about how working in the entertainment industry has changed her body image.

In a recent interview with Health Magazine, Rexha, 29, recalled the lasting effects of being told by a manager to get into "boot-camp shape" after signing one of her first deals.

"They told me to lose 20 pounds, and it kind of messed me up," she said. "I went through a point of really not liking myself, and I still have my moments – but I just started trying to be nice to myself."

Rexha made headlines in January after revealing multiple fashion designers had refused to dress her for the Grammys because she was "too big." The singer wears a size 6 or 8.

In an Instagram post from January 21, she criticized the fashion industry for contributing to body-shaming culture: "If you don’t like my fashion style or my music, that’s one thing. But don’t say you can’t dress someone that isn’t a runway size. Empower women to love their bodies instead of making girls and women feel less then (sic) by their size. We are beautiful any size! Small or large!"

She was able to turn the incident into an empowering movement on social media, continuing to urge others to love their bodies. (She also stunned at the Grammys in a red multilayered tulle gown by Monsoori.) But looking back, Rexha said the situation was hurtful.

"There are a lot of showrooms that lend out dresses. And they’re the meanest people sometimes," she said. "I shouldn’t say that because now I’m probably never gonna get anything loaned to me. Some of them are incredible, but some are so gossipy."

The singer also shot down rumors that she had gotten plastic surgery.

"I’ve never had my butt done. I’ve never had my nose done," Rexha said, adding that she's actually afraid of getting one surgery she actually needs.

"I have a deviated septum, and I keep getting sinus infections, and I’m scared to get that (fixed). I’m scared to go under the knife – I don’t want it to mess up my nose! If I got work done, I would definitely say it. I definitely want to get my boobs lifted one day. If it makes me feel better and sexy? I’m like, 'Do whatever you want.' "

Thanks, Duchess Meghan: Royal did women a service by not hiding her postpartum baby bump

'I hope you accept me as I am': Rexha shares bipolar diagnosis in emotional post:

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bebe Rexha recalls manager's advice to lose 20 pounds: 'It kind of messed me up'