Clooney denies weight loss rumours

George Clooney has denied rumours that his recent weight loss is due to ill health, claiming he is simply on a diet.

The actor and director - currently promoting legal thriller Michael Clayton at the Venice Film Festival - revealed that he uses a variety of work-out methods to maintain his slender physique.

He told a press conference: "We do a lot of aerobics, a lot of dance, there is a lot of jazz-ercise, the ab-master, there's the butt-blaster or whatever it's called. And also there is a lot of yoga."

He added: "And I have also just finished doing a movie where I did [American] football with a bunch of 21-year-olds which I highly recommend. That's going to keep anyone in shape."

The revelation caused a round of applause from the press, prompting the actor to remark: "Thank you for asking that question".

Clooney sparked rumours of ill health and a possible tummy tuck when he shed several stones since piling on weight to star in Syriana in 2005.