Australia's Greatest Weight Loss Challenge

Jenny Craig and The Australian Women’s Weekly have joined forced to launch Australia’s Greatest Weight Loss Challenge.

WHAT: Sydneysiders are invited to come down and jump on the scales for Australia’s Biggest Weigh-In Challenge

WHO: Celebrities Magda Szubanski and Ian “Dicko” Dickson

WHY: Australia has cheered on celebrities Madga Szubanski and Dicko on their weight loss journeys, now it’s the nations chance to seek inspiration to fuel their own weight loss journey

WHERE: Martin Place, Sydney, Amphitheatre (between Pitt Street and Castlereagh Street)

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February 07, 2010

HE'S short of a six-pack, but Ian "Dicko" Dickson has shed his beer gut, man boobs (or moobs) and double chin.

The television personality and radio host revealed his new body publicly for the first time, showing off his newly svelte frame after losing 16 kilos to weigh 88kg.

"I feel a bit stupid that I didn't do it sooner," said the new streamlined Dicko.

"I've gone through my 30s and most of my 40s with a ridiculous beer gut, man boobs and double chin.

"In less than six months, I've dropped over 15 kilos and I feel great, so I feel a bit stupid for not actually having had the guts to do it sooner."

Dicko has often spoken out publicly of his battles with alcohol, giving up drinking just over a year ago.

But, fed up with his ever-growing waist, the 46-year-old decided to follow in the footsteps of actor and comedian Magda Szubanski by signing on as a celebrity ambassador for Jenny Craig weight loss centres and begin losing weight last September.

He's now the face of Jenny Craig's Jen4Men campaign.

"At my worst, I used to feel gross, embarrassed and uncomfortable," the Australian Idol judge said.

"You look at yourself (in the mirror) and you realise the only reason I've got this big floppy gut and floppy man boobs is that I was just too lazy to do anything about it."

With two teenage daughters - Esme, 18, and Edie, 16 - Dicko has been with his partner, Mel, for 24 years.

Dicko, who hosts a breakfast show on Vega radio in Melbourne, admits he became complacent. "I think I've got the reverse of body dysmorphia," he said.

"Blokes my age, we look in the mirror and we convince ourselves that everything is fine. Men just don't look after themselves."

Dicko said he trains twice a week with former Australian Idol winner Natalie Gauci, who is now a personal trainer.

He also plays three rounds of golf a week.

A six-pack has so far eluded him, although he admits he's now got the self-control to secure one.

"A six-pack takes sculpting and I'm not sure I want to get into the whole man sculpting thing," he said. "I am working on my core - but that's going to take a bit of work."

Dicko claims his tastebuds have also changed, opening him up to a whole new range of foods to discover.

"I used to be into crisps and hot chips, and mayonnaise and butter on sandwiches, but I really enjoy salads and vegetables now," Dicko explained. "It is amazing how you can change your tastebuds if you change your outlook.

"I used to love a full English breakfast and, if I was to eat that now, I would feel really bloated and fatty."

Despite his efforts, Dicko admits he still has the odd food blow-out - his guilty pleasure is dessert.

"I have given up the drink and I've given up going out and partying, and now I've given up unhealthy food, and sometimes that results in me making the odd extra trip to the desert trolley.

"But you don't have to live life like a monk.

"I've still got the ability to be a little bit naughty, just not as naughty as before."