Having dropped almost 42 lbs, the incredibly talented Sam Smith has opened up about the journey he went on before finally becoming comfortable in his own skin.

Revealing in a recent interview that he used food and eating as a coping mechanism, the Stay With Me singer said: "When I was at school and wasn't having a great time or when music wasn't going very well. I would eat, eat… eating would make me feel better, when I felt lonely I would eat."

Admitting that he has been verbally abused in the past on account of his sexual orientation, the star said that that does not have the same effect on him that being called fat does, saying: "If someone calls me a f***** it's like, 'I am gay and I'm proud to be gay', so there's no issues. But if someone calls you fat, that's something I want to change." 

The singer opened up during an interview on Australian TV show A Current Affair and revealed that his relationship with food was a complex one, admitting: "From a young age food has controlled me."

The 22-year-old singer/ songwriter has since established a healthier approach to food and often takes to social media to update fans and followers on his progress, having recently posted: "4 pounds away from my goal weight and feel happier and healthier than ever #eatnourishglow."

It takes a lot of courage to speak so candidly so we take our hats of to one of our favourite singers!

While it may seem like life couldn't be better for 22-year-old singer Sam Smith, the talented performer admitted in a recent interview with the Observer Review that this isn't really the case

Having won four Grammy awards in recent weeks, Sam's star couldn't be shining any brighter, but the young singer revealed that he's been struggling to stay grounded over the last year.

Confessing that a huge amount of effort goes into trying to maintain a normal life, the Stay With Me singer said: "I've spent as much energy this past year trying not to go mental as I have plugging my record. You have to."

Revealing that fame isn't always easy to deal with and isn't 'necessarily a nice thing', Sam explains: "It's like your body's trying to float away. And you're hanging on for dear life."

Sam, who has pulled at the heartstrings of music lovers around the world with his incredible debut album In the Lonely Hour, admits that his second album isn't going to be a massive departure from his first.

Continuing to deal with unrequited love and heartbreak, the much-loved star joked that the public may be disappointed with the lack of cheery songs, saying: "Any normal person, after that first record, would think, 'Second album, let's bring out some happy music. Give everyone a break."

But whatever he comes out with is sure to be a corker, right?!