Eminem's longtime collaborator Trick Trick has denied rumours the "Slim Shady" star has piled on the pounds due to health problems, insisting reports of his ballooning weight have been radically exaggerated.

The superstar rapper - real name Marshall Mathers III - was hospitalized over the festive season after suffering from heart problems, arising from a bout of influenza.

And his estranged mother Debbie Nelson recently fueled rumors of his weight problems.

In her new book, "My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem," Nelson says: "His face has broken out in pimples and he's put on so much weight that he's causing all sorts of other health problems for himself."

But close pal Trick Trick claims reports Eminem now weighs as much as 250 pounds are false.

He tells MTV.com, "Em just picked up some weight, that's it. He's nowhere (near) 250 pounds or anything like that. He picked up a little weight. He ain't walkin' around obese or some s--- though. He can still run two miles if you want him to and still out-box the majority of them. My man still gets down."

-Eminem Pictures

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)