Former “Jersey Shore” star Nicole Polizzi, better known as Snooki, has shed 42 pounds and is featured on the cover of the new issue of Us Weekly. How did Snooki, who gave birth to a baby boy last year, drop 42 pounds? According to USA Today, Snooki’s secret isn’t weight watchers or Jenny Craig. In fact, the reality TV star claims to have lost weight the old-fashion way: Exercise.

“Hard work pays off Big thanks to my trainer [Anthony Michael],” Snooki tweeted, adding, “So excited to be on the cover of @usweekly!!”

According to the first-time mom, becoming pregnant and giving birth forced her to address some of the weight and body image issues that she’s struggled with for many years.

“When you have a baby, everything changes,” she said in the new issue of Us Weekly. She also told the magazine that she wanted to get into shape for herself but that she wanted Jionni to know that she can be “hot as a mom.”

So far, the reaction to Snooki’s magazine cover has been overwhelmingly positive.

“I’m LOVING everyone’s positive feedback! You’re all amazing & make me smile,” Polizzi tweeted.

According to Us Weekly, Snooki’s weight has fallen to 102 pounds. The TV personality appears on the cover in a leopard print two-piece bikini.

Losing weight in a healthy way hasn’t always been easy for the actress. During an interview with OK! Magazine in 2010, Polizzi spoke about her past struggles with the eating disorders anorexia and bulimia. “It got so crazy that I would only eat a cracker or a cucumber a day and I would feel full,” she told the magazine.

Snooki gave birth to baby Lorenzo on “Snooki and JWoww,” according to the New York Daily News. Following in the footsteps of fellow reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian, Snooki let cameras into her deliver room when she gave birth to her son in 2012, but the episode wasn’t aired until January 2013.

Does Snooki look good for someone who just had her first child? Who is your favorite “Jersey Shore” cast member? Share your thoughts in the comments section.