Perez Hilton expands Web empire with fitness site

[October 04, 2010]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Perez Hilton is losing and gaining -- losing weight and gaining a website, that is.

After dropping more than 60 pounds over the past three years, the celebrity blogger is launching a fitness-focused site Monday called FitPerez.com.

"It's an organic next step for me," said the 32-year-old, whose real name is Mario Lavanderia.

Hilton said the new site is all about encouraging his readers to be healthier and happier. It will feature recipes, celebrity workout tips and photos of stars showing off their fit physiques. Hilton also plans to include interviews with celebrities and their trainers, food and fitness trends and stories about fertility, mood issues and other health concerns.

He will also share some of the exercise and eating tips he has used to whittle his figure. Though he relies on four trainers for his seven-days-a-week exercise plan, he said he started his road to health with daily 30-minute walks and careful portion control.

Though he was overweight when he launched his main website, PerezHilton.com, in 2004, the blogger has regularly blasted popular stars for bad health habits, such as smoking and heavy partying.

FitPerez.com is the latest site in what's become Hilton's Internet empire. Within the past year, he has launched a fashion site, CocoPerez.com; an animal site, TeddyHilton.com (named after his dog); and an adult-oriented celebrity site, UnratedPerez.com.

FitPerez.com will include real health information, presented in a "fun and sassy" way, Hilton said.

Inaugural content includes "Glee" star Lea Michele discussing her vegan diet and over-40 actresses Teri Hatcher and Cybill Shepard sharing their views on aging.

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Online:

http://www.fitperez.com/

[Associated Press; By SANDY COHEN]

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