Elle King has become an inspiration to many for her candid approach to both physical and emotional health. The singer-songwriter, known for her hit songs like “Ex’s & Oh’s,” has been open about her struggles with body image since childhood. However, after the birth of her son in 2021, Elle embarked on a health journey that would forever change her life.
Her path to weight loss wasn’t defined by overnight success but by a gradual, sustainable approach to wellness. While King has never disclosed exactly how much weight she lost, it’s clear that her journey was not just about losing pounds, but about embracing a new lifestyle that helped her regain mental clarity, overcome postpartum depression, and redefine her relationship with food.
A Challenging Beginning: Confronting Childhood Struggles
From an early age, Elle King struggled with body image. Growing up, she faced judgment, and her father’s decision to send her to “fat camp” marked one of her earliest memories of her body’s struggles. In a 2023 interview, she recalled how difficult those years were: “I was a really, really heavy child. My dad sent me to fat camp. And then I got in trouble one year because I sprained my ankle and didn’t lose any weight. Very toxic and very silly.”
This period of her life created a deep-seated emotional burden that King carried into adulthood. But it wasn’t just about the weight—it was about societal expectations, family pressure, and the emotional toll of feeling inadequate. These experiences shaped her relationship with food and her self-worth.
Despite these challenges, King continued to pursue music and success in her career. However, it wasn’t until after the birth of her son that she decided to make a more serious commitment to her health.
A Turning Point: Embracing Wellness After Pregnancy
In 2021, after giving birth to her son, King decided to focus on her wellness. Recognizing that her health was interlinked with both her physical and emotional well-being, she set out on a journey to lose weight and become stronger. It wasn’t an instant change, and King made it clear that this transformation was a gradual process.
“It didn’t happen overnight. It didn’t even happen in a year for me. In fact, it’s an ongoing, still working towards, ever-hanging goals kinda thing,” she wrote in her Instagram post. This honesty about the slow pace of her transformation highlights the fact that true change comes with patience, persistence, and ongoing effort.
In addition to her weight loss, King revealed that she has been battling polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that can cause weight gain due to hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance. She also disclosed that she was prediabetic, a condition that runs in her family and is a constant reminder of the importance of maintaining good health.
The Power of Exercise: Building Strength from Within
King’s approach to exercise was a key part of her weight loss. Unlike many who turn to extreme or unsustainable workouts, King focused on making fitness a consistent part of her daily life. She committed to doing 15-30 minutes of aerobic exercise each day. “I hate cardio more than anything in the world,” she admitted. “I do it just to warm my body up, but I love and genuinely enjoy hardcore ab workouts.”
In addition to traditional exercise, King incorporated metabolic workouts into her routine. These high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts were designed to reset her metabolism and help her burn fat more effectively. As she continued to build strength, she gradually increased the intensity of her workouts, with the support of a personal trainer.
Mental Health: Overcoming Postpartum Depression and Building Emotional Resilience
Physical health wasn’t the only area King focused on during her transformation. She also paid close attention to her mental health, particularly her postpartum depression.
“I fell into a very deep depression during my pregnancy,” she shared. “I also didn’t even realize how intense postpartum depression is and was until I very slowly began to crawl out.” King’s experience with depression wasn’t unique, but her openness about it provided a sense of solidarity for those going through similar struggles.
For King, exercise and healthier eating habits not only helped her lose weight but also played a crucial role in improving her mental health. She noted that on the days she moved her body, her brain functioned better, and her emotional well-being improved.
A New Future: Setting Fitness Goals and Embracing Health
King’s journey didn’t end with her weight loss. She has set her sights on long-term health and well-being. In her 2025 Instagram post, King shared her hope to live a long, healthy life where she can continue to laugh, enjoy her food, and live freely.
Looking forward to 2026, King shared a new fitness goal: “I want to be on the cover of Men’s Health by March of 2026.” This goal reflects not just her desire to be in top physical shape but also her ongoing commitment to health and self-improvement.
Health Beyond Weight Loss
Elle King’s story is one of transformation, acceptance, and resilience. She showed that weight loss is not just about losing pounds, but about achieving emotional balance and overall wellness. By focusing on her mental health, physical strength, and emotional well-being, Elle King continues to inspire others to take control of their health and embrace the journey of self-improvement.
Through her vulnerability and transparency, she has set an example for others to follow, showing that real change happens with time, patience, and commitment to one’s overall health.