Say hello to the new and improved Reza Farahan! The Shahs of Sunset star kicked off the sixth season of the Bravo reality series by showing off his impressive weight loss and a clean-shaven face.

The 44-year-old real estate agent has been chronicling his 40-pound weight loss on social media since the new year when he made it his resolution to drop the pounds and get back into marathon running shape. However, his decision to shave off his signature ‘stache came as a surprise to longtime viewers.

“Saddam Hussein called and said ‘I want my look back, I’m tired of this s–t, OK?” Reza told TooFab of the mini makeover. “Bravo did a side-by-side of me and Saddam like ‘Who wore it best?’ and I lost so I was like, ‘I have to shave.’ The ‘stache kind of detracted from how fat my face was and by shaving it, I was like, ‘Okay, I’m going to really get a sense of how fat I am.'”

How did Reza lose the weight?

Along with no facial hair, Reza is now sporting a noticeably toned chest, which he proudly displayed in a before and after pic on social media. “The day after Christmas I started a weight loss program and a b—h has been hard at work,” he wrote. “I wanted to get my body back to where it used to be in my 20’s and 30’s! I’m not gonna lie, it was hard AF, but a b—h was diligent and a b—h was militant and a b—h did it! I LOST 40 F’ing LBS and I feel great! Just thought I’d share!”

Thanks to a new healthy lifestyle, Reza is determined to get back to a runner’s physique, reminding his fans that he completed the LA marathon in 1998. As expected, viewers of the Bravo series showed their support for the Persian reality star, leaving words of encouragement on his page.

“Who needs Khloé? You’re Persian! Awesome! Keep taking care of your health,” one follower wrote, before another added, “You look amazing! Congratulations and good for you for setting a goal and sticking to it!!”

View this post on Instagram

@ashleybordenfitness workout kicked my A$$ today, but it feels so good when I'm in my car and driving home. #fit #fitness #fitnessmotivation #fitnessjourney #fitlife #shahs #shahsofsunset #abitchlost40lbs

A post shared by Reza Farahan (@rezafarahan) on

In 2015, Reza opened up about his weight loss struggles on The Real and his past relationship with The Biggest Loser trainer Bob Harper! “I was fat, no one told me I was fat,” he said before dropping the bombshell about his celebrity ex. “Back then when I was looking fly as you know what [Bob] didn’t have a pot to you know what in. Now, he’s rich as hell and we’re not together.”

Today, Reza is happily married to his longtime partner Adam Neely. Keep up the good work! For more impressive celebrity weight loss transformations, watch the video below: