He may be known for his rapping skills, but 50 cent is also a dedicated actor making headlines today for his shocking weight loss.  Fans are wondering if he is sick, but known for his usual muscular physique has actually lost 56 lbs for an upcoming role in a movie he is co-producing.

50 is co-producing the movie "Things Fall Apart," in which he plays a cancer ridden football player.   According to ThisIs50.com, he dropped from 214 lbs to 160 over just 9 weeks with a liquid diet and working out three times a day with trainer Jay Cardiello.

Cardiello travels with 50, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.  He is in charge of every thing that goes into 50's body but that doesn't mean that 50 would otherwise be eating crap.  He is known for his amazing self discipline.  Even before the liquid diet or weight loss, a sample lunch for the rap star was a grilled hamburger with one slice of wheat toast and a side of steamed veggies like broccoli.

This being said, 50-cent is in good hands, and fans shouldn't worry too much.  He will gain the weight back shortly after filming in a healthy manner.

Last summer, Cardiello made the trip up to Boston to show the type of workout he puts his celebrity clients through on set between takes.  To get a sense for the work 50 has already put in, check it out for yourself.