American Idol Ruben Studdard: "Don't Be Like Me"  2/22/07

Heavyweight American Idol winner Ruben Studdard has urged young people in Alabama to avoid "being like him".

The 28-year-old star, who is a spokesperson for the Scale Back Alabama weight loss campaign, visited local schools on Tuesday (20FEB07) in a bid to get youngsters fit in one of America's unhealthiest states.

He says, ""I don't want y'all to be like me. I don't want y'all to get to college and stop working out and forget all the things you have to do to be healthy.

"I want y'all to continue working out for the rest of your life so you don't have to start all over like Ruben Studdard, trying to get yourself back into shape."

Studdard has lost 100 pounds (37 kilograms) since embarking on a fitness regime last summer (06).