Country music star Luke Combs is speaking candidly about his health journey, revealing why he has chosen not to use weight-loss medications and instead plans to pursue lifestyle changes on his own terms.
During a Feb. 24 appearance on The New York Times’ Popcast podcast, the 35-year-old singer shared personal reflections on body image, self-discipline and the pressures that can come with fame.
“One of my biggest fears is like, man, maybe I don’t get a shot just because of the way I look,” Combs said, acknowledging long-standing insecurities. “That was a hard pill to swallow.”
Despite his concerns, Combs noted that he has not faced direct pressure from the music industry to alter his appearance. As his career grew, he said executives never asked him to hire a trainer or change his look—an experience he recognizes may differ from others in entertainment. Still, he joked that he dreams of looking like fellow country artist Sam Hunt “every day.”
A Personal Struggle With Weight
Combs has long been open about the challenges he faces in managing his weight, describing it as an ongoing battle.
“I have always struggled with my weight,” he said. “It bugs me a lot that I can’t figure it out. I don’t want my life to be this life of ease… I like when stuff’s hard.”
When asked whether that mindset influenced his decision to avoid newer medical treatments such as GLP-1 weight-loss medications, Combs said the idea of using them makes him uneasy.
“As dumb as that sounds, that stuff scares me more than I think that I would enjoy the benefits of,” he explained.
Rather than seeking what he views as a shortcut, the Grammy-nominated artist said he wants to approach the process through persistence and personal accountability.
“I will do it, but I’m not going to do it the short way,” Combs said, adding that his decision is a personal one and not a judgment of others who choose differently. “I need to win—I need to beat myself.”
Redefining “Hard Work”
The singer also reflected on how his career has shaped his view of effort and challenge, noting that performing is not physically demanding in the same way as other professions.
“I’m not out digging ditches,” he said. “It’s not that hard of a job.”
Yet his internal struggle with health and body image, he added, feels like “this thing I can’t conquer,” describing it as one of the most difficult challenges he has faced.
Family as Motivation
Combs has frequently cited his family as the driving force behind his desire to improve his health. In a 2022 interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, he said becoming a father changed his outlook.
“This having a kid thing has really messed up my head on this thing in the best way,” he said at the time, referring to his son, Tex Lawrence. “I want to be around.”
He later reiterated that message in a 2024 interview, emphasizing that “longevity is the goal” as he focuses on being present for his wife and children.
“Every day you get to spend with those guys is really fun and tough,” Combs said. “You need to be your best self to take care of them the way that you feel like they deserve.”
A Long-Term Commitment
For Combs, the path to better health is less about rapid transformation and more about sustained effort.
“It’s a long process. It’s a long road,” he said. “It’s tough. It’s a challenge. I struggle with it every day.”
By sharing his perspective, the chart-topping performer is adding his voice to a broader public conversation about body image, personal choice and the many approaches people take in pursuing healthier lives.
