George Clooney denies dramatic weight loss rumors

George Clooney has denied dramatic weight loss rumors due to ill health, which have been spreading across the US this week.

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".