Adam Richman has lost 70 pounds.

The 40-year-old star - who was catapulted to fame on eating challenge TV programme 'Man v. Food' - loves his sexy new look and is glad he is no longer viewed as the ''plucky best friend'' by ladies when he's out with his pals.

Speaking to the latest issue of America's Cosmopolitan magazine, he explained: ''To go from hating the way I looked to being a Cosmo centrefold is a profound honour.

''If you're a guy who's always been the fun-to-be-around teddy bear, then all of a sudden people are viewing you as sexy, it's nice.

''It's great not having to be the plucky best friend, or the comic relief any more - I love that. Who wouldn't rather hear, 'Wow, you look great,' than 'Ewww...?' ''

Adam previously confessed his size was ''depressing'' and he was determined to shift the excess pounds he gained from his mammoth food challenges for the show with the help of a doctor and nutritionist.

He said: ''My soccer training includes squats, push-ups, resistance-band work and sprints.

''Ninety minutes of running became part of my love of the game rather than a chore.''