Kirstie Alley defends Lady Gaga's recent weight gain

After years of gaining and losing weight under Hollywood's microscope, Kirstie Alley is no stranger to defending her body.

And now, as Lady Gaga takes heat for packing on about 25 pounds, Alley is coming to her defense, as well.

"Most of my career I was pretty lean, so when I gained the weight, obviously people [noticed]," the 61-year-old actress told People. "With [Gaga], she gains [25] pounds and it becomes this huge thing."

Alley, a former Jenny Craig spokesperson, slimmed down when she first competed on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" in 2011, but not before George Lopez compared her to a pig on his talk show.

"It's Hollywood that is obsessed with weight," Alley said. "I think everyone should try to be healthy. Lean is better than not lean, but I think we send a horrible message to the world, especially to girls."

The "Dancing with the Stars" All-Star added, "[Gaga] was so freaking skinny that [25] pounds would make her a what, size 2? There's an insanity here. I know it's a pressure on her. I know it is. It's really hard to play that game."

On Tuesday, Gaga posted four nearly nude photographs to her site LittleMonsters.com, writing, "Bulimia and anorexia since I was 15... But today I join the BODY REVOLUTION.... To Inspire Bravery.... and BREED some ... COMPASSION."