Crossword Genius

Thanks to exercise, looking hot and sweaty but gradually got thinner (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tapered

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'sweaty but gradually got thinner' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'thanks to exercise looking hot' is the wordplay.
'thanks' becomes 'ta' (UK informal version of 'thank you').
'to exercise' becomes 'pe' (Physical Education).
'looking hot' becomes 'red'.
'ta'+'pe'+'red'='TAPERED'

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tapered that I've seen before include "Narrowed by red tape" , "With thickness reduced towards an end" , "Predate (anag)" , "Becoming narrower towards one end" , "Narrowing towards one end" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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