Elle King, a successful musician, songwriter, and actress known for her unique blend of country, rock, and blues, has openly shared her weight loss journey with the public. Her story isn't just about physical transformation; it's a testament to her resilience in overcoming personal challenges, including postpartum depression and managing PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and pre-diabetes.
Elle King: More Than Just a Musician
Tanner Elle Schneider, born in 1989, has carved a significant niche for herself in the music industry. Signed to RCA Records in 2012, she gained widespread recognition with her hit song "Ex's & Oh's," which earned her two Grammy Award nominations. Beyond her musical talents, King's openness about her personal struggles has resonated with many, making her a role model for body positivity and mental health awareness.
Addressing the Rumors: No Weight Loss Medications or Surgery
Over the years, Elle King has experienced fluctuations in her weight, leading to speculation about the methods she employed to lose weight. Many people wondered if she could have used a weight loss drug to lose the way. Other people say she must have had weight loss surgery. The singer has consistently stated that she achieved her weight loss through a dedicated fitness journey, emphasizing that she did not resort to weight loss drugs like Ozempic or surgical procedures. She directly addressed these rumors in an Instagram post, stating, “I can’t believe that I even have to say this, but no, I am not on any weight loss medication.” She further clarified, “I do not judge anyone who is trying to live a healthier life. I can only share MY OWN JOURNEY!”
The Impact of Postpartum Depression
King's weight loss journey is deeply intertwined with her struggle with postpartum depression following the birth of her son, Lucky, in 2021. She has been very open about what was behind them. That includes the birth of her son in 2021. At that time, she says she struggled with postpartum depression. This is a mood disorder that happens to many women after giving birth. It can occur in the first year after having a child. Postpartum depression impacts about 30% of all women after having a baby.
In a candid social media post, King shared, “I fell into a very deep depression during my pregnancy. I also didn’t even realize how intense postpartum depression is and was until I very slowly began to crawl out. I felt trapped in my body. I couldn't even sing." The intensity of postpartum depression can make it difficult for women to maintain a healthy body image, with many struggling with their appearance due to underlying hormone imbalances. King's openness about her experience has encouraged conversations about the importance of mental health support for new mothers.
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A Gradual Transformation: Lifestyle Changes and Workout Routines
Elle King's weight loss journey was not an overnight success but a gradual transformation achieved through consistent effort and lifestyle changes. “Almost 2 years postpartum! I am making this post to share my journey from 284 lbs at 5’3 from pregnancy 2021 - now 2023. It doesn’t happen overnight. It didn’t even happen in a year for me. In fact, it’s an on going still working towards ever changing goals kinda thing.”
She embarked on a fitness regimen that included metabolic workouts and light cardio. “So I started slow. Metabolic workouts. Light cardio to warm up my body, my lungs, my voice, and my spirit. I am a creature of habit, so I changed my fucking habits. Every few weeks I feel my body getting stronger." Metabolic conditioning focuses on exercises that increase the amount of energy stored and released in the body, typically focusing on heart rate during workouts, per the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). She also incorporated light cardio to warm up her body, lungs, voice, and spirit.
King emphasized the importance of finding activities that one enjoys. “Find music you like! Ride a bike! Go for a swim! I thought I wanted to lose weight, but it’s so much more. My BRAIN functions better on the days I move my body. Some days I count stretch marks. Some days I hug myself and say thank you to my body. Today is a kind day. I’ve been tiny, I’ve been huge, BUT RIGHT NOW I’M HEALTHY.”
She also revealed in the comments of a recent Instagram post that she ate “no meat” for three years and did “steady exercise” that time. “I do anywhere from 15-30 min cardio and TONS of core,” she shared. “I hate cardio more than anything in the world. I do it just to warm my body up, but I love and genuinely enjoy hardcore ab workouts. I started with wrist and ankle weights just to up my workouts. If I can do it, so can you. Bad ass tunes def help!”
Navigating PCOS and Prediabetes
Elle King has also been open about her struggles with PCOS and prediabetes, conditions that can significantly impact weight management and overall health. “I have PCOS and am pre-diabetic,” she revealed. “My diabetic grandfather died when I was 10 years old. I watched him prick his finger and give himself shots. I do not judge anyone who is trying to live a healthier life. What we know about the “Ex’s & Oh’s” singer is that she worked hard to lose weight. She says she made strict changes to her diet. She worked out intensely as well. She states she did 15 to 30 minutes of cardio each day. She said she did a ton of core workouts. She admits to hating cardio, too.
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PCOS can lead to irregular periods, weight gain, and fertility issues, while prediabetes indicates higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. By sharing her experiences, King aims to raise awareness about these conditions and encourage others to prioritize their health.
Rob Schneider's Apology
Elle King's journey hasn't been without its challenges, including a strained relationship with her father, actor Rob Schneider. King hasn't always had the best relationship with her father, actor and comedian Rob Schneider, meaning she largely had to carve out her successful music career on her own merit. During an appearance on Bunnie Xo's podcast "Dumb Blonde" in 2024, the "Ex's & Oh's" singer confessed that she would often go years at a time without so much as speaking to Schneider. "Right now, we're not flowing," King said at the time. She attributes her complicated relationship with her dad to their differing political opinions, as well as the fact that he could allegedly be quite inattentive during her youth. "My dad forgot about every single birthday," she told Bunnie Xo. She even revealed that he sent her to "fat camp" as a child, which she described as "very toxic and very silly."
In response to King's откровения, Schneider publicly apologized to his daughter. "Well I just want to tell my daughter, Elle, I love you and I wish I was the father in my 20s that you needed. Clearly I wasn’t. I hope you can forgive me for my shortcomings. I love you completely and I love you entirely.” He added that he wanted her "to be well and happy with you and your beautiful baby, Lucky."
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