Hip-hop star Fat Joe has lost 36 kilograms (80 pounds) and dropped eight suit sizes in just a year - and he credits Oprah Winfrey for his significant weight loss.

The heavyweight LEAN BACK rapper has gone from 168 kilograms (370 pounds) to 131 kilograms (290 pounds) after watching a weight loss special on Winfrey's chat show and making it his 2004 New Year's resolution to lower his blood pressure and slim down.

He says, "All of (the people on OPRAH) lost like 100 pounds. I was like, 'Oh my God, I gotta get on this diet.'"

The rapper, real name JOSEPH CARTAGENA, started his regime by cutting out fried food and non-essential carbohydrates, as well as working out every day with the help of a personal trainer.

He adds, "What really scares me the most is that I really love to eat. Me being Puerto Rican and not eating rice and beans - it's hard!"

11/02/2005 09:01