Richard Simmons sex change surgery denied: Not transitioning to a woman

Richard Simmons' rep, Tom Estey, denied the weight loss guru is transitioning into a woman (see video). The sex change rumors started after a tabloid claimed Simmons went into hiding three years ago so he could live as a woman named Fiona.

“[This is] not just Richard Simmons in drag," a source told the National Enquirer. "This is Richard dressed as a softly spoken woman named Fiona! He felt he was a woman trapped in a man's body."

Insiders claim Richard has undergone hormone treatments and breast implants, and wants to get penis removal surgery and a surgically constructed vagina.

He had a boob job, and his breasts are like he had been taking hormones to make them grow.

He had huge mood swings, too, which we attributed to hormone therapy."

The sex transition rumors went into overdrive when Simmons, 67, was hospitalized last weekend. While speculation mounted that the hospitalization was due to depression, Richard revealed on Facebook that he was hospitalized for dehydration but is "feeling great" now, as Examiner has reported.

Simmons abruptly went into hiding in 2013 amid speculation he's battling severe depression and does not want to be famous anymore. Richard abandoned his longtime friends and has not been to his Beverly Hills, California, exercise studio in more than a year.

Sources said Richard was devastated after the May 2013 death of his beloved dog, Hattie, and after suffering a crippling knee injury in 2014. Simmons said he withdrew from public life because he wanted to take care of himself.

I just sort of wanted to be a little bit of a loner for a little while. I had hurt my knee, and I had some problems with it.

Then the other knee started giving me trouble because I've taught thousands and thousands of classes. Right now I just want to take care of me."

In March 2015, Richard told "Good Morning America" he's well, was not kidnapped or being held captive by his housekeeper, as had been rumored. Simmons thanked fans for their concern, and said he will make a comeback soon.

"For all the people that were worrying about me, I want to tell them that I love them with my whole heart and soul and not to worry,'' said Richard. "You haven't seen the last of me. I'll come back, and I'll come back strong."