Nate Smith Says He Was “Slowly Killing” Himself Before Drastic Transformation

Nate Smith’s health journey has had positive impacts, both physically and mentally. The “Whiskey on You” singer committed to making a change in late 2024 and has since lost 55 pounds.

Videos by American Songwriter

Smith’s unhealthy relationship with food began when he was a kid.

“Even as a kid, I was a little pudgy,” he told People. “My mom always worked out, and she and my sister Courtney were always healthy and fit. But my brother and I, we ate Ding Dongs or whatever we wanted. There were times when I was getting a little thick and I’d try a diet, but I’d gain it back. I was a yo-yo-er.”

As an adult, things only got worse, leading to insecurities about how he looked and felt.

“I didn’t like how I was out of breath all the time and how I’d get dizzy just tying my shoes,” Smith said. “I felt like I was slowly killing myself, and I didn’t know what to do about it.”

It wasn’t just food that was an issue, but alcohol too.

“My parents would come to shows and see me drunk and overeating and stuff, and they’d be scared with the way I was living,” Smith said. “They were worried I’d have a heart attack or a stroke.”

The public-facing nature of being a performer also didn’t help matters.

“As an artist, we’re in front of people a lot, doing videos and pictures,” Smith said. “When you’re not feeling comfortable in your skin, it’s not a fun place to be.”

Nate Smith Makes a Big Change

His tipping point came in the fall of 2024 when he came down with a severe upper respiratory infection.

“I knew I needed to get some healthy food, or I wasn’t going to get better,” he said. “So I threw out all the bad food in the house and bought some juices and fruit and things to give my body some fuel. Then I was like, ‘Well, heck, what if I just kind of keep trying to eat better and maybe eat less?’”

Despite that will to change, Smith felt like he “didn’t even know where to start” to get healthy. It was Smith’s brother, Kyle Smith, who “really encouraged” the singer on his weight loss journey after going through one of his own.

“He said just start with 2,100 calories a day, and try to eat 200 grams of protein, and that’s what got me into a routine of being aware of calories and what I’m eating,” he said. “As long as I’m eating a lot of protein, I’m feeling really good, and it keeps me full.”

Nate Smith’s Health Journey Success

Change happened fast, to the tune of 55 pounds.

“All my clothes started to fit better, and people started telling me, ‘Like, dude, half of you is gone!’” he recalled. “… People come up to me at meet and greets and say, ‘Dude, I’m doing the same thing, and I’m down 30 lbs.’ It’s been really fun and absolutely meaningful to be able to inspire people.”

As a result of his weight loss, Smith said he’s “happier and more confident.” Also, he noted, “It’s changed the way I perform onstage. I have a lot more energy.” 

Smith’s mental health has also improved as a result of his physical changes.

“I think that the physical stuff has really affected my mental health in a positive way,” Smith said. “It’s a concept I heard a million times: ‘You gotta love yourself before you love someone else,’ but it’s kinda true.”

“Because I’m not so insecure about myself, it’s helped me be more present,” he added. “And it’s changed the way I can love people. I feel free.”

Photo by Nicola Gell/Getty Images