Ruben Studdard loses weight, gains new album

Velvet Teddy Bear, now a vegetarian, sheds nearly 100 pounds at clinic

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Ruben Studdard on new album
Oct. 9: "Today" show host Meredith Vieira talks with "American Idol" Ruben Studdard about his new album, "The Return," and his weight loss.

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updated 4:26 p.m. ET Oct. 17, 2006

NEW YORK - There's a lot less of the Velvet Teddy Bear to hug.

Ruben Studdard has lost nearly 100 pounds by cutting back on his food. He used to weigh more than 400 pounds.

Studdard told NBC's "Today" show that he was put on a 1,200-1,500-calorie diet at a weight management center at Duke University. He says he's now a vegetarian (MSNBC is a joint venture between NBC and Microsoft).

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Studdard has a new album coming out October 17. He says he called it "The Return" because not many people bought his inspirational album, and some thought he hadn't recorded in a while.