World-acclaimed singer Jed Madela is concerned over critics zeroing in on his weight.

In a recent meeting with the press for the launch of his new album, Madela admitted the issue has been part and parcel of his image.

“From the beginning that weight issue has always been a stigma but I never make it a big thing,” said he.

Although he is keen on shedding some pounds, Madela said it isn’t his main concern for now even as he seemingly took a swipe at fellow singer Christian Bautista who recently posed in the buff.

“I don’t make a priority kasi hindi naman ako maghuhubad,” he said, adding, “Singer lang po talaga ako--what matters is my music and my songs.”

The singing champ divulged that though he is disappointed of critics who focus on his weight versus his flair for singing, he has come to accept it.

"Nakakaapekto din minsan, nakaka-down ‘pag sinabing, ‘Jed, taba mo,’ ‘Jed tumaba ka na naman,’ Dati parang kakatamad na, ngayon parang ‘yun ako eh, ako ‘yan, eh. Ito ako, I’m big-boned, I’m really a big guy so that’s how it is.”

Madela also revealed that some of his colleagues in the industry face the same sort of prejudice.

“Hindi na [sila] nabibigyan ng break dahil hindi sila masyadong maganda, or porke’t mataba o masyadong mapayat. It’s sad,” he said.

Madela hopes people would put a stop to what he deemed an unhealthy attitude, specifically in that it only serves to deter great talent from shining.

“Sometimes it gets so frustrating and disappointing na people tend to put weight too much on the looks, the weight, how your hair looks, how your clothes look, how your skin looks [and focus] more on the image. Tapos wala na sa talent. Sometimes kahit sobrang sintunado na ma-magic-kin na lang ng technology.”