Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
“I’ve dealt with weight issues for a long time,” the country singer revealed in an interview with Popcast.
Luke Combs is opening up about why he’s not turning to weight-loss medications.
On the Feb. 24 episode of The New York Times’ Popcast podcast, the 35-year-old “Back in the Saddle” singer and father of three spoke candidly about his approach to health and his personal struggles with body image.
“One of my biggest fears has been that I wouldn’t get a shot just because of how I look,” Combs said. “That was a tough reality to accept, because you can’t really change your appearance overnight.”
Despite his growing fame, Combs said no music industry executives pressured him to alter his look, whether by hiring a trainer or changing his style. He did joke, however, that he occasionally dreams of looking like fellow country star Sam Hunt.
“I’ve always struggled with my weight,” Combs admitted. “It frustrates me that I haven’t figured it out. But I don’t want life to be too easy—I like when things are challenging.”
When asked if that mindset was why he avoids new medical approaches like GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, Combs agreed. “As silly as it sounds, that stuff scares me more than I think I’d enjoy the results,” he explained.
He also reflected on the fact that he hasn’t often taken on physically demanding work. “I’m not out digging ditches, man,” the Grammy-nominated singer said. “My job isn’t that hard.” Still, he called his struggles with body image “an impossible nut to crack,” adding, “I’ll tackle it, but I’m not going to take the shortcut. That’s personal—I need to win for myself.”
Combs has consistently spoken about the importance of staying healthy. In June 2022, he told Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1 that becoming a father motivated him to be in shape for his family. “Having a kid has really changed my perspective,” he said of his son Tex Lawrence, whom he welcomed with wife Nicole Hocking. “I want to be around for them, you know?”
He echoed this sentiment in November 2024 during an interview with NBC News, saying, “Longevity is the goal” thanks to his wife and kids.
