Mariah Carey , 38 is pleased that she's inspired the likes of X Factor winner Leona Lewis, 23, NOW reports.

'It makes me feel old when girls like Leona say I'm their role model,' she admits, 'although I do have the body of a 12-year-old!'

'I'm really proud. I've lost a lot of fat and a little muscle. I did yoga and strength training - my thighs became really hard. Now I have the body I had in high school. My jean size is the same as when I was 17.

'But don't worry: Mariah will never have an eating disorder.'