Country Star Luke Combs Battles Weight Struggles Amid Career Success

The 'Beautiful Crazy' singer opens up about his lifelong weight challenges and hesitancy to use weight loss medications.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Country music superstar Luke Combs has been candid about his ongoing struggles with weight and body image, admitting he has 'a lot of self-doubt' surrounding his physical appearance despite his immense career success. The 35-year-old singer revealed he has tried various health practices like fasting and a gluten-free diet, but still finds it difficult to achieve his desired fitness goals while balancing his busy schedule and family life. Combs emphasized his reluctance to use weight loss medications like GLP-1s, saying he prefers to take the 'traditional gym route' to losing weight, even if it's a 'puzzle I can't figure out.'

Why it matters

Combs' openness about his weight struggles highlights the immense pressure many celebrities, especially in the music industry, face to maintain a certain physical appearance, even as they achieve tremendous professional success. His story resonates with many fans who also grapple with body image issues and the challenges of balancing health, career, and family responsibilities.

The details

In a recent interview, Combs admitted he has 'always struggled with my weight' and is hesitant to use weight loss medications, fearing the potential side effects more than the benefits. He emphasized his preference for the 'traditional gym route' to losing weight, even though he finds it to be an 'impossible nut to crack.' Combs, who is a father of three young sons, said he wants to 'win the thing' and 'beat myself' when it comes to his fitness journey.

  • Combs discussed his weight struggles in a February 24, 2026 episode of The New York Times' Popcast podcast.

The players

Luke Combs

A 35-year-old country music singer known for hits like 'Hurricane' and 'Beautiful Crazy.' Combs has been open about his lifelong struggles with weight and body image.

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What they’re saying

“I knew I could perform as good as anybody and put on a good show and write songs that I felt like people would enjoy. That was one of my biggest fears is like, 'Man, maybe I don't get a shot just because of the way I look.'”

— Luke Combs, Country Singer (The New York Times' Popcast)

“I have always struggled with my weight. I don't want my life to be this life of ease and like everything's easy. I like when stuff's hard.”

— Luke Combs, Country Singer (The New York Times' Popcast)

The takeaway

Combs' candid discussion of his weight struggles underscores the immense pressures faced by celebrities, especially in the music industry, to maintain a certain physical appearance. His story resonates with many fans who also grapple with body image issues, highlighting the need for more open conversations about the challenges of balancing health, career, and personal life.