George Clooney's weight loss sparks fears for his health

George Clooney's dramatic weight loss has sparked health fears.

The 'Ocean's 13' star, who has reportedly lost over 20 pounds in a short space of time, is said to be looking worryingly gaunt.

A source told the National Enquirer magazine: "George is looking gaunt and much thinner than I've seen him. He looks like he's lost more than 20 pounds.

"He's had a rough time in the last two years, including surgery to repair leaking spinal fluid after an on-set accident. Maybe he's still recovering from that.

"George is still managing to keep a full workload - he's currently filming 'Leather heads' in which he stars and directs."

Clooney's representative denies he is in poor health and insists his weight loss is for his latest film, saying, "He gained weight for 'Syriana'. He lost weight for 'Leather heads'."

The actor, who gained almost 40 pounds for 'Syriana', confessed to contemplating suicide in 2005 following a series of personal tragedies.

Clooney said: "My brother-in-law died of a heart attack at age 45, my grandma fell, broke her hip and dies, and my dog got attacked by a rattle snake and killed."