“I haven’t been doing personal training. I have been eating whatever,” the actress and comedian tells PEOPLE in this week’s issueRebel Wilson. PHOTO:

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Rebel Wilson is getting candid about how work stress has led to her recent weight gain.

In an interview and exclusive photo shoot with PEOPLE before the release of her book Rebel Rising: A Memoir, the actress, 44, admits that she has put on some weight in recent months while focusing on her latest projects.

The Pitch Perfect alum says the past year has been spent writing her memoir, directing her first film The Deb, and enjoying life with her fiancée Ramona Agruma and her 1-year-old daughter Royce Lillian.

Between work and family time, the Senior Year star says she ended up gaining 20 lbs.

“You know when you feel comfortable in your relationship, and you’re just like, f— it?” she explains. “I haven’t been doing personal training. I have been eating whatever. I have been eating some junk food on set, because sets are prevalent with that. I just haven’t even thought about it. So I put on 20 lbs. in the last six months with that insane schedule.”

Rebel Rising: A Memoir.

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The comedian adds that she also started “stress eating,” ahead of her very personal book being out in the world.

“I definitely think why I’ve been stress eating the last few months is knowing that now all this stuff will come out into the world,” she says. “I felt like I needed protection, so I had a bit more desserts and put up a bit of a barricade.”

Although she’s “nervous” about the response, Wilson says, “I’m very proud of my journey and what I’ve overcome in my life.” She also plans to get back on track with weight loss journey soon.

“I think once this press tour is over for the book, I’ll just go back to a bit more of a normal schedule and working out how I can be a mum and also take an hour or two in my day to be healthy,” she says.

Rebel Wilson.

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Rebel Wilson Says She ‘Got More Attention for Weight Loss Than Any Movie’ She’d Ever Done: ‘People Are Intrigued’ (Exclusive)

Wilson has been transparent over the years about being an “emotional eater.” She tells PEOPLE that after committing to a year of health during the pandemic and losing a significant amount of weight, she was inspired to share her journey in her memoir, which releases April 2.

“People often out there think that there’s some magic pill, or some sick special diet, or exercise regime or whatever,” the actress explains.

Wilson says she wants her book “to give people the message, if they’re like me and an emotional eater, that it’s not about that stuff. It’s literally about working at a healthier way to deal with your emotions, and there is no magic solution.”

“And then maybe me telling my story might encourage them to do the same and make healthy change in their lives,” she adds.

For more on Rebel Wilson, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribe here.