Elle King, known for her chart-topping hit “Ex’s & Oh’s” and her unique blend of rock, country, and blues, has long been an artist who stands out not only for her powerful voice but also for her unfiltered authenticity. But behind the scenes, King was battling her own personal demons, struggling with both physical and emotional health. It wasn’t until after the birth of her son, Lucky, in 2021, that King embarked on a transformative journey—one that would eventually lead to her shedding over 140 pounds and reclaiming her health, confidence, and sense of self.
In an honest and candid conversation, Elle King opened up about her weight loss journey, the obstacles she faced, and the emotional challenges that accompanied it. It’s not just about losing weight for her; it’s about mental and emotional healing as well. The journey is one of self-love, perseverance, and finding peace with herself.
The Starting Point: 284 lbs and Feeling Stuck
Before she made any changes, Elle was dealing with more than just her weight. At 5’3″, she weighed 284 lbs in 2021, after giving birth to her son. In a recent Instagram post, she shared, “I’m making this post to share my journey from 284 lbs to where I am now. It doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s worth it.”
Like many new mothers, Elle struggled with postpartum depression, which only exacerbated the mental and emotional challenges she faced. “I felt overwhelmed, trapped in my own body, and disconnected from who I once was,” she confessed. But it was in the middle of these dark moments that something shifted inside of her.
Her son, Lucky, was the catalyst for change. “I wanted to be the kind of mom who was there for my child in the best way possible. And I knew I had to take better care of myself to do that.”
It wasn’t just about losing weight; it was about feeling good in her body again, physically and emotionally. But at the start, she didn’t know exactly where to begin.
The Turning Point: A Shift in Mindset
The first thing Elle had to do was shift her mindset. For so long, she had felt trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and frustration, believing she wasn’t worthy of taking time for herself. As a busy working mom, the idea of prioritizing her health felt almost impossible. But after years of putting her career and family first, she realized that putting herself last wasn’t helping anyone, especially herself.
“I started small,” Elle shared. “I didn’t wake up one day and decide to completely change everything. It was baby steps. I started by taking long walks with Lucky. Sometimes it was just a short walk, but it was a start.”
But it wasn’t just physical activity that made a difference. Elle also began focusing on her mental health, taking time to work through her depression and anxiety. “Exercise became an outlet for me,” she said. “It wasn’t just about losing weight—it was about healing my mind.”
The Process: Fitness, Diet, and Mental Wellness
As Elle began to make small changes to her routine, she realized that fitness wasn’t just a means to an end. It was therapeutic. “At first, I did light cardio to get my body moving and to reconnect with myself,” she said. “It was more about the journey and less about the destination.”
Elle was also very mindful of the fact that there were no shortcuts to sustainable change. “I’ve done diets, I’ve done the quick fixes, but nothing lasts unless you change your mindset and lifestyle,” she explained. This was a significant breakthrough for her.
She didn’t resort to extreme diets or weight loss medications. In fact, she was very vocal about the fact that she didn’t take any weight loss medication, despite rumors suggesting otherwise. “I didn’t do Ozempic or any of that,” Elle emphasized. “I focused on balancing my diet and exercising regularly.”
Her diet became a crucial component of her weight loss journey. Elle started making healthier choices, focusing on whole foods that nourished her body, instead of restrictive eating plans. “I still eat what I love, but I’ve learned to be more mindful of how it affects me,” she explained.
She also worked with a trainer, adding more intensity to her workouts as time went on. Every few weeks, she pushed herself a little harder, increasing the intensity of her cardio and strength training exercises. But the most important change wasn’t just physical—it was emotional.
Mental Health and Weight Loss: The Overlap
For Elle, her weight loss was directly tied to her mental health. She explained that working through her postpartum depression and anxiety was just as important, if not more so, than the physical changes. Exercise wasn’t just about toning her body—it became her emotional therapy.
“I’m not going to lie, it was hard. There were times when I didn’t want to get out of bed or do anything,” Elle admitted. “But I realized that moving my body—whether it was a walk with my baby or a workout session—helped me clear my mind and feel better about myself.”
Her story serves as a reminder of the deep connection between mental health and physical health. For many people, weight loss isn’t just about shedding pounds; it’s about finding balance and peace with oneself. “I didn’t want to just lose weight for the sake of it,” Elle said. “I wanted to feel strong, empowered, and happy in my own skin again.”
The Transformation: From 284 lbs to a Healthier Self
Two years later, Elle has shed a remarkable amount of weight, transforming her body, her mind, and her life. “I’ve lost over 140 lbs, but it’s not just about the weight,” she said. “It’s about finding the confidence I lost for so many years.”
Her journey hasn’t been easy. It’s been a mix of hard work, vulnerability, and self-compassion. “There were days when I didn’t think I’d make it. But each step, each small victory, brought me closer to the person I wanted to be,” Elle shared with a sense of pride.
And while she’s far from done with her journey, she’s proud of how far she’s come. “I’m not focused on the scale anymore,” she said. “I’m focused on feeling strong, healthy, and proud of who I am.”
The Advice: How to Make Your Own Health Transformation
Elle’s journey is proof that real change doesn’t happen overnight. But it does happen—if you’re willing to put in the work. So, what advice does Elle have for those looking to make their own transformations?
1. Start small. “You don’t have to go all-in right away. Take small steps, even if it’s just a walk each day or drinking more water.”
2. Focus on mindset. “Change your mindset first. If you don’t feel like you deserve to take care of yourself, nothing will work. You have to believe in yourself.”
3. Be patient. “Progress takes time. Don’t rush it. Give yourself grace along the way.”
4. Exercise for your mind, not just your body. “Find a workout that helps you mentally, not just physically. That’s what made all the difference for me.”
5. Don’t do it alone. “Having a support system is crucial. Whether it’s a trainer, a friend, or even an online community, you need people who will help you stay accountable and encourage you.”
More Than Just Weight Loss
Elle King’s story isn’t just about losing weight. It’s about finding a healthier, happier, and more confident version of herself. It’s a reminder that true transformation happens when we address both our physical and mental health, and that sometimes, the biggest breakthrough happens when we choose to put ourselves first.
For Elle, the journey isn’t over, but she’s well on her way to becoming the best version of herself—and she’s inspiring others to do the same.
“This is just the beginning,” she says, with a smile that reflects both strength and grace. “I feel more alive than ever before, and I know I’m on the right path.”
Elle King’s journey reminds us that with time, effort, and a little self-love, we can all make the changes necessary to live our healthiest, happiest lives.
