" Jay's A Lean Mean Talk Machine"

Just call him "Jay Leano"!

Former "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno is working toward a new slimmer physique for his new prime-time talk show. Gone is his beloved thick -crust pizza,gone is his Philly Cheese steak sandwiches.Gone is the pasta and thick, creamy sauces. Gone are all the barbeque ribs and hot dogs. In their place are salads, fish and healthy skinless chicken- and a whole lot of exercise,say sources.

Jay , 59, was determined to get healthy after a scary wake up call in April when he was hosipatized after complaining of vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps, which caused him to become dehydrated and dizzy. Although he says he was suffering from exhaustion, sources say , he'd been bingering on junk food and stressing over the new show. At the time the 6-foot star weighed about 230 pounds.

He had high cholesterol and was an accident waiting to happen, indulged an insider. Jay's idea of exercise was working on his cars! Now he's finally watching what he eats. Jay was quick to show off his progress at a recent TV critics event, opening his jacket to reveal his slimmed down stomach and saying: I want to drop a few more pounds. So far Jay has dropped about 12 pounds, said the insider. His goal is to lose another 15-20 pounds and get under 200 pounds.

There is a lot riding on Jay's new project for "NBC". He'll be airing 5 nights a week at the earlier 10:pm time slot. Added a close source: Jay doesn't want to be fat and lazy. He wants a healthier look to go along with his new show.

http://mglynn@nationalenquirer.com/