As Britney Spears’ Circus tour is marching on and getting both rave reviews and some lukewarm ones in the process, she is already beginning to feel the strain and pressure from all sides. This time, however, it has nothing to do with her music or with her performance on stage, although it is related to both. Spears is reportedly breaking down because of the many ‘fat’ comments about her in the media, as DigitalSpy can confirm.

Whereas, on the first date of Circus, in New Orleans, people were amazed to see in what a fit physical shape the star was, especially after so many years of virtually neglecting herself and indulging in her favorite junk food and high-calorie beverages, as countless paparazzi photos can prove, the tables have turned now and skeptics are already noticing even the smallest imperfections.

The many “fat” comments currently circulating in the media have not failed to echo with Britney, who is, admittedly, about to have a major breakdown because of all the pressure.

“Britney has been upset by some of the negative feedback she’s been getting. She’s worked so hard on her figure and her fitness.” one source tells Heat magazine, as quoted by the aforementioned e-zine. Sadly, making Britney feel bad about the many hours she spent in the gym is not all that these negative comments do, since they also show her that she is no longer the Princess of Pop of a couple of years ago, which entitles people to voice their negative thoughts about her.

“She thought she was an unstoppable force, but now it’s dawning on her that she’s not as revered as she once was, which is causing her upset. She feels she’s put a heck of a lot of effort into the tour. It’s devastating for her to hear the criticisms. We just hope she doesn’t take it too much to heart.” the spy continues by saying, according to the source.

Quite understandably, names like “Bulky Spears” and “jelly belly” would bring anyone down, not to mention Britney who has still some way to go until she’s back to her former self, it has also been noted.

Although it has just kicked off, Circus seems to bring about more issues than Britney probably anticipated. In recent weeks, the tour drew heavy criticism as to it being appropriate for Spears’ children, who are reportedly present at every performance. Even more recently, rumors about Britney receiving death threats via text messages and e-mails began to surface, threats that were forcing her to consider pulling the plug on the entire tour and going back home.