Fat Joe Talks 100-Pound Weight Loss: 'All My Big People Were Dying'

Fat Joe has slimmed down.

The rapper, who says he once tipped the scales at 460 pounds, told CNN that he's lost 100 pounds and counting.

"I think I weighed about 450, 460 at my heaviest," he said, explaining that his hip-hop success encouraged him to over-indulge. "[I thought,] I'm rich now, I can go to Mr. Chow's and eat me all the lobster and steak I want… And I always took pride in being fat, that's why my name was Fat Joe."

The impetus for the lifestyle change first came in 2000, when fellow MC Big Pun died from a heart attack. In the last year, he told CNN, six of his friends -- all around his weight -- died of heart attacks.

"I realized at a certain point, all my big people were dying," he said. "I couldn't see a clearer picture, what's the difference between me and him, of me being in a casket?"

He's since hit the gym and changed his eating habits, eating healthier foods and smaller portions more frequently. The weight loss has led to other health benefits, as well.

"I was diabetic for 16 years," he revealed. "Being that I lost weight, no more diabetes."

But don't expect a name change: at any size, the "Lean Back" rapper says he's still Fat Joe.