Luke Combs has shared why he chose not to use GLP-1 medications as part of a weight-loss plan.
Speaking on the New York Times podcast Popcast, the country singer reflected on his long-running struggles with body image and the different options he’s weighed up when it comes to losing weight.
In recent years, GLP-1 drugs have surged in popularity as a tool for people trying to shed pounds.
Though initially approved to help treat diabetes, the medications can also reduce appetite. For some patients, that effect—alongside balanced eating and regular exercise—can support meaningful weight loss.
Even so, Combs explained that he hasn’t opted for GLP-1 medication himself, despite acknowledging how much his weight has affected him.
“I have always struggled with my weight,” he told hosts Jon Caramanica and Joe Coscarelli. “It bugs me a lot that I can’t figure it out.
“I don’t want my life to be this life of like, ease and like, everything’s easy. I like when stuff’s hard.”
Alongside that mindset, he also pointed to concerns about the medication itself and said the potential risks have made him hesitant.
“As dumb as that sounds, that stuff scares me more than I think that I would enjoy the benefits of,” he said.
Combs also discussed a worry that his appearance could affect the opportunities he gets in the industry.
“One of my biggest fears is like, man, maybe I don’t get a shot just ‘cause of the way I look,” he said.
“You know what I mean? And like, that was a hard pill to swallow, because you can’t really change the way you look.”
He later added that he doesn’t want to feel like he’s taking an easier route, even if he understands why others might choose it.
He said: “No matter how hard I try, it’s just been like this impossible nut to crack for me. And I will do it, but I’m not going to do it the short way.
“And not that there’s anything wrong with that. That’s personal for you. I need to win, like, I need to beat myself.”
Combs has also spoken before about how country music’s reach has expanded, including enthusiasm he’s seen in the UK during his time touring there.
“There’s a lot of hype going on,” he told the BBC. “They’ve never done anything like this before.
“Playing at the Royal Albert Hall is a bucket list for me, and to play the Opry at the Royal Albert Hall will be insane. It’s like two epic things combined into one.”