Elle King, the powerhouse singer behind the chart-topping hit “Ex’s & Oh’s,” has captivated audiences not only with her bold, unapologetic style but also with her transformative weight loss journey. While her powerful voice has long been a source of inspiration, her personal journey to health and well-being resonates just as deeply. Elle’s transformation is not just about shedding pounds—it’s about reclaiming her health, overcoming personal struggles, and finding balance after navigating some of life’s toughest challenges.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Elle King’s weight loss journey—how she did it, the lifestyle changes she embraced, and the mental strength it took to make it happen. It’s a story of empowerment, resilience, and, ultimately, finding a new sense of self.
Elle King’s Weight Loss Journey Begins: Battling Postpartum Depression
Elle King’s weight loss journey took root during a challenging time in her life: the birth of her son, Lucky, in September 2021. Like many new mothers, Elle faced the usual demands and adjustments that come with motherhood. But for her, the emotional and physical toll was particularly intense. Along with the natural weight gain of pregnancy, Elle struggled with postpartum depression—a battle that affected her mental health and made it difficult to feel like herself.
“I was going through a lot,” Elle shared in a candid interview. “I didn’t know what was going on with me. I didn’t feel like myself.”
This emotional and physical strain led to dramatic weight gain. At her heaviest, Elle weighed 284 pounds—a number that became difficult for her to accept, especially given her long-standing struggles with body image. As a child, she was sent to “fat camp” and faced weight-related bullying, experiences that left lasting scars. These challenges followed her into adulthood, compounded by the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy and the weight gain that accompanied it.
But instead of letting these struggles define her, Elle found the strength to take action.
The Turning Point: Elle King Decides to Make a Change
Despite the emotional toll of postpartum depression, Elle decided to take control of her health. In early 2023, she made a conscious choice to start her weight loss journey—not because of societal pressure, but for her own well-being. This decision was motivated by a desire to feel better in her own skin and to be healthier—for herself and for her son.
“I just wanted to feel better in my skin again,” Elle explained on social media, opening up about her personal motivation to change.
Instead of turning to extreme measures or quick fixes like weight loss drugs or surgery, Elle chose to focus on sustainable, long-term lifestyle changes. She made it clear that her transformation wasn’t driven by products like Ozempic or weight loss pills, rejecting rumors that her success was anything other than the result of hard work and dedication.
Elle King’s Weight Loss Formula: Exercise, Diet, and Mental Health
Elle King’s impressive weight loss journey was powered by a combination of exercise, healthy eating, and an unwavering focus on mental health. Here’s a breakdown of how she tackled each element:
1. Exercise: Consistency is Key
Exercise was crucial to Elle’s weight loss success. She incorporated both cardiovascular exercises and strength training into her routine, which helped her burn fat while building muscle. In the beginning, she started with simpler, lower-impact activities like walking and cycling on a stationary bike, gradually working up to more intense workouts as her stamina improved.
“I’m not a runner, but I love cycling,” Elle shared. “It’s something that makes me feel strong.”
What set Elle’s approach apart was the consistency she maintained in her workouts. She avoided jumping into extreme regimens that felt unsustainable, instead opting for a moderate yet effective routine that fit into her busy life as a mother and working artist. It wasn’t about going all in or overdoing it—it was about finding a balanced, sustainable approach that worked for her.
2. Diet: Nourish, Don’t Restrict
When it came to food, Elle made a conscious shift towards nourishing her body rather than restricting herself with fad diets. She focused on making healthier, mindful food choices without obsessing over every calorie. For Elle, it wasn’t about depriving herself—it was about fueling her body in a way that supported her physical and mental health.
She eliminated processed foods and instead emphasized whole foods: lean proteins, plenty of vegetables, and whole grains. Portion control became an important part of her journey, as Elle learned to eat until she was satisfied, not overfull.
“I’ve been trying to eat cleaner and keep things simple,” Elle explained. “I don’t deprive myself, but I make sure that what I’m eating is good for me.”
This balanced approach to eating allowed her to lose weight while still enjoying her meals and not feeling restricted or deprived.
3. Mental Health: The Foundation of Her Transformation
Perhaps the most significant aspect of Elle King’s weight loss journey was her focus on mental health. She has been candid about her struggles with depression, particularly during and after pregnancy, and how that affected her ability to care for herself physically. For Elle, taking care of her mind was just as important as taking care of her body.
“Getting my mind right was just as important as getting my body right,” Elle shared, reflecting on how she prioritized mental well-being alongside physical health.
Elle turned to therapy and support systems, actively working to overcome her postpartum depression and make self-care a priority. This mental work helped her stay motivated throughout her journey, offering her the inner strength needed to maintain healthy habits and keep moving forward.
The Results: Half the Weight Gone
By August 2023, Elle King had lost half of her body weight—a remarkable achievement that she proudly shared with her followers. From her peak weight of 284 pounds, Elle had dropped a significant amount, leaving her feeling more confident, healthier, and energized than ever before.
“I feel better than I have in years,” she wrote in an Instagram post, alongside a photo showcasing her incredible transformation. “It’s not just about the weight, but about how I feel inside.”
Debunking the Myths: No Quick Fixes
One of the most refreshing parts of Elle King’s weight loss journey has been her transparency in rejecting the idea of quick fixes. She’s repeatedly denied using weight loss medications or extreme diets to achieve her results, emphasizing that true transformation requires patience, effort, and sustainable lifestyle changes.
“I didn’t use Ozempic or any weight loss pills,” she clarified. “It’s all about lifestyle changes. It takes time, but it’s worth it.”
This honesty has made Elle’s journey especially relatable for her fans, many of whom struggle with similar issues related to weight, body image, and mental health.
FAQs About Elle King’s Weight Loss
1. How did Elle King lose so much weight?
Elle King’s significant weight loss was the result of a combination of regular exercise, mindful eating, and a strong focus on mental health. She didn’t rely on fad diets or medications, but instead made sustainable lifestyle changes.
2. Did Elle King use medication like Ozempic for her weight loss?
No, Elle King has publicly denied using Ozempic or any other weight loss medications. She attributes her success to consistent hard work, exercise, and a focus on overall health.
3. What advice does Elle King have for others trying to lose weight?
Elle advises focusing on small, sustainable changes rather than looking for quick fixes. She emphasizes listening to your body, setting realistic goals, and prioritizing mental health throughout the process.
Conclusion: A Journey of Empowerment and Resilience
Elle King’s weight loss journey is more than just a physical transformation—it’s a story of emotional growth, resilience, and empowerment. By prioritizing her health, both physical and mental, Elle has not only reshaped her body but also her entire outlook on life. Her story is a testament to the power of patience, self-love, and the belief that we can transform our lives at any stage.
As she continues to share her journey, Elle King proves that weight loss is not just about how you look, but how you feel inside—and that’s something worth celebrating.