Inside Country Star Nate Smith’s 70-Lb. Weight Loss Journey

**Country Star Nate Smith Transforms His Health: A Journey of Resilience and Determination**

Nate Smith, the beloved country music singer, has embarked on a remarkable health journey, shedding over 70 pounds since he made significant lifestyle changes in 2024. The transformation was ignited by a serious respiratory illness that compelled Smith to reassess his well-being. This life-altering moment spurred him to not only improve his health but also to address years of concerns regarding his body image.

In a candid interview with PEOPLE in July 2025, Smith reflected on the difficulties he faced prior to his transformation. He admitted, “I didn’t like the way I looked. I didn’t like the way I felt. I didn’t like how I was out of breath all the time and how I’d get dizzy just tying my shoes. I felt like I was slowly killing myself.” With the motivation of his brother, Kyle, who himself has undergone a significant weight-loss journey, Smith began making healthier choices.

Key changes in Smith’s lifestyle included reducing alcohol consumption and adopting a more mindful approach to eating. He found a fitness routine that resonated with him, which has been instrumental in his successful weight loss. “Anytime I ever tried to do an extreme diet, I failed within two days,” he stated in an interview with Muscle & Fitness. “Making it a lifestyle is what finally worked.”

The turning point in Smith’s journey came after he contracted a severe upper respiratory infection in the autumn of 2024. This health scare served as a wake-up call, encouraging him to scrutinise his diet and heavy drinking habits. “I knew I needed to get some healthy food, or I wasn’t going to get better,” he recalled. With determination, Smith disposed of unhealthy foods and replaced them with nutritious options, such as juices and fruits. He intuitively thought, “Well, heck, what if I just kind of keep trying to eat better and maybe eat less?”

Through his dedication, Smith has not only lost a significant amount of weight but has also gained a renewed sense of vitality. His primary motivation has now shifted to ensuring that he has the stamina to deliver his best performances on stage each night. He shared with PEOPLE, “I think I want to get under 200 lbs. So I was like 275 lbs., somewhere in that world. But I want to get down to like 185 lbs. again.”

Before achieving success as a musician, Smith worked for over a decade as a nurse’s aide, a physically demanding profession that ultimately resulted in chronic back issues due to several herniated discs. Remarkably, the weight loss has alleviated much of the strain on his back, enhancing his mobility and recovery after performances and travel.

In terms of staying active, Smith has opted for a unique approach to exercise. He typically takes a walk nearly every morning but does not adhere to a traditional gym routine. Instead, he finds that most of his physical activity occurs during his performances. “I’m running around the whole time,” he noted, emphasising the physical demands of being on stage. Additionally, when he has the opportunity to enjoy some time off, Smith gravitates towards outdoor activities, particularly backpacking in national parks, which he finds more enjoyable than conventional workouts. “I hate working out more than anything in the world,” he admitted, expressing his disdain for running.

Mindful eating has become a cornerstone of Smith’s health regimen. With guidance from his brother Kyle, who meticulously tracks his own nutrition, Nate began monitoring his calorie intake and protein consumption. “Kyle said just start with 2,100 calories a day, and try to eat 200 grams of protein,” he told PEOPLE. He discovered that a high-protein diet helps him feel full and energised, allowing him to maintain his new lifestyle.

While Smith has successfully embraced healthier eating habits, he remains candid about the occasional struggles with binge eating. However, he prefers to focus on moderation instead of completely depriving himself of his favourite foods. “If I want to have it, I’m going to have it. But I want to find a way to make it a treat versus a lifestyle thing,” he explained, highlighting his balanced approach to indulgence. In sharing his journey, Smith has become not only an inspiration to his fans but also a reminder that change and growth are possible through determination and resilience.

As Nate Smith continues his journey, he remains dedicated to maintaining his health and encouraging others to prioritise their well-being. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of making sustainable lifestyle choices.