Friends reveal the childhood misery driving Ryan Seacrest's stunning transformation... and the help from J-Lo and Kim Kardashian after he 'really flipped out' at turning 50

Ryan Seacrest was once so self-conscious about his weight that he refused to go swimming with his friends while growing up in Georgia.

Now, decades later, the 51-year-old American Idol host is not only comfortable taking off his shirt, but also wants to show the world his impressive physique. 

Over the weekend, Seacrest gave his six million Instagram followers a look at his ripped bare chest while he was on a bicycle ride.

Seacrest's followers went nuts for his sculpted form, with many leaving appreciative comments about his abs. 

Now, the Daily Mail has learned how the TV star, who has been dubbed the 'hardest working man in Hollywood,' manages to look so great. 

'He has been working out more than ever with his personal trainer,' a source close to Seacrest told the Daily Mail.

And, according to the source, it's because he refuses to look like an old man. 

'Turning 50 really flipped Ryan out, he was like, 'I don't want to look like a suburban dad,' not that that is terrible, some suburban dads are totally hot, but you get what I mean. He was like, 'I want to look like a movie star.' So he started exercising much more.'

Another source, who works with Seacrest, added: 'Ryan has been looking for the right diet and workout routine for years, and it seems like he has finally found it. 

'So, when he put up those [shirtless] pictures, it was a bit of FU to all the haters that have given him grief over being too skinny or looking gaunt. He's finally found the right mix of eating right, working out, still working like a mad man and getting little sleep.'

And according to the first insider, it was a very famous friend who inspired his physical transformation.

'Ryan has been getting tips from friends like Kim Kardashian on how to look cut,' the source said.

'Kim told him she was lifting a lot of weights as opposed to just doing cardio all the time, and she is a big believer in her squats, which she does throughout the day.'

Indeed, Kardashian slimmed down when she started working with prominent bodybuilder Melissa Alcantara in 2017. These days the reality TV star trains with Senada Greca, who is famous for The Senada Method.

Kardashian's sister Khloe Kardashian also gave Seacrest some sage health advice. 'Khloe told Ryan to work out super early in the morning, just get it done first thing,' said the source.

Khloe is known for setting her alarm for 5 am and heading to her home gym before her kids True and Tatum - who she has with ex Tristan Thompson - wake up.

But it's really his painful past that provides the most motivation to Seacrest to stay fit. 

'Ryan was chubby growing up because he ate fried foods as a kid in Georgia, and it has hung over his head his entire life,' the first insider told the Daily Mail.

'He was called fat and ugly as a kid and it is a stain he cannot wash away, it haunts him every day of his life and he never wants to be pudgy again because he thinks it is bad for his self-esteem.

'He started working out in his teen years, when he was in high school, to reverse the pain of being the fat kid, and he really liked it, he was thrilled that he could control his shape and look better just through will power.'

In 2022, Seacrest opened up to Live With Kelly And Ryan cohost Kelly Ripa about growing up the bigger kid in the classroom.

While appearing on the morning show, he said he has not forgotten being rounder as a child.

'I was teased for it, and I will always see that little boy when I look in the mirror,' he explained. 

'I cannot get past it, I've talked to our experts about it, but for some reason, I just cannot see that guy.'

According to the insider, it's a topic that he and Khloe have bonded over. 

'Ryan and Khloe have bonded over being heavier kids and being teased for it, they can relate, it is a hurt that won't go away,' said the source. 'But now they are in control and they feel strong about it.'   

In addition to working out, Seacrest also watches what he eats and drinks as he diets 'really hardcore,' added the source. 

While speaking on Live With Kelly And Ryan, he revealed that, because he grew up bigger 'you spend a great deal of time fixating on what you're eating and what you're not eating and when you're eating and how much you're eating and how many times of day you're eating.'

'Ryan has always been careful with what he eats,' noted the first source. 'When a cheese plate is passed around at parties, he says no thanks.'

It was one of Seacrest's first high-profile girlfriends who taught him to choose his food carefully.

'His ex Julianne Hough suggested he reduce carbs, eat vegetables and fish instead of red meat, and stick to salads full of dark green vegetables that are full of nutrients,' the first source explained.

Seacrest and Dancing With The Stars judge Hough dated from 2010 to 2013. 

'Another trick is instead of sodas, he enjoys herbal teas, and he is a big fan of warm water with lemon in the morning, which Julianne taught him to do,' said the source. 

'His relationship with Julianne certainly didn't work out, but she did introduce him to healthy eating.'

But another famous friend, who has been able to maintain her size two figure for decades, suggested he lessen his strict rules around maintaining his physique. 

'When he worked with Jennifer Lopez on American Idol, she told him to lighten up a little bit of the dieting,' said the first source.

Lopez was on Idol as a main judge across five seasons, spanning from 2011 to 2012 and again from 2014 to 2016.

'Jennifer does snack here and there, like she loves pizza and chocolate chip cookies,' said the source.

'She takes like one or two bites of a chocolate chip cookie every day, it is her favorite treat. She was like "just have a few bites of what you love Ryan, not the whole thing" and he was like "I can't do that." Ryan and Jennifer talked a lot about staying slender and looking their best.'

And Seacrest has a lot to look forward, so it's no wonder he wants to shine.

The industry insider said: 'Before you know it, it is going to be New Year's and he will be back with Idol and obviously still doing Wheel Of Fortune, so 2027 is looking to be the time where he will be the healthiest he has ever been.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Seacrest for comment.