Nicole Richie: "I Don't Have an Eating Disorder"  11/2/06

The Simple Life star Nicole Richie has slammed reports she is suffering an eating disorder and claims a mystery medical condition is keeping her from gaining weight.

Richie's representative announced last Thursday (26OCT06) she was undergoing treatment after slipping to an estimated 87 pounds.

The 25-year-old star tells American publication Us Weekly, "I'm not in rehab and I don't have an eating disorder.

"I'm getting the help I need and taking care of my health."

Both her father, singer Lionel Richie, and mother, Brenda Harvey Richie, have been concerned about Richie's weight for some time.

Family sources claim Richie was spurred to seek help after the shocked reaction of her relatives' when she attended her grandmother's funeral on 21 October (06).

Lionel reportedly played a part in staging an "intervention" and was seen the day before the announcement comforting his crying daughter during lunch at the Beverly Hills Hilton.

Though Richie won't confirm the nature of her treatment, she is reportedly seeking help at a Newport Beach, California facility where she is undergoing doctor consultations and blood tests.