Country singer Nate Smith is setting his sights on a new milestone in his health journey after losing more than 70 pounds, saying his goal is to reach 185 pounds while maintaining the lifestyle changes that have transformed both his health and career.
Speaking to People at the Sports Illustrated and Tight End University's Tight Ends & Friends Concert in Nashville on June 23, the 40-year-old singer said he hopes to reduce his weight from approximately 275 pounds to below 200 pounds, with an ultimate target of 185 pounds.
"I think I want to get under 200 lbs.," Smith told People. "So I was like 275 lbs., somewhere in that world. But I want to get down to like 185 lbs. again."
The "Whiskey on You" singer said the motivation behind his weight loss extends beyond appearance, emphasizing that improved physical endurance has become increasingly important as he continues touring and performing.
Better stamina has become a key motivation
For Smith, maintaining energy during live performances has become one of the strongest incentives to continue losing weight.
"Keeping the energy on stage and making sure I do that, because I think that takes care of the fans," he said.
He also described everyday improvements that have accompanied his weight loss, including greater mobility and comfort.
"I don't sweat anymore, which is amazing," Smith told People. "I used to be totally out of breath tying my shoes. I can jump around a lot more."
The singer added that he now enjoys wearing clothes that previously did not fit.
"This is a large," he said, referring to his outfit at the event. "I've been double X for the last five or six years, so I'm feeling really good."
Health experts note that even modest weight loss can significantly improve quality of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, losing as little as 5% to 10% of body weight can improve blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar while reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Health scare prompted lifestyle overhaul
Smith previously revealed that his health transformation began in November 2024 after he developed a severe upper respiratory infection that forced him to reassess his habits.
At the time, he acknowledged struggling with overeating and excessive alcohol consumption, describing the experience as a turning point.
"I knew I was hurting myself, but I couldn't stop," Smith told People in a previous interview. "It was like looking at this mountain and wondering, 'How do I get up there?' I didn't even know where to start."
Instead of following an extreme diet, Smith focused on sustainable lifestyle changes. He reduced his alcohol intake, increased his protein consumption, and cut back on daily calories. Within about four months, he reportedly dropped from approximately 280 pounds to 225 pounds.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends gradual weight loss through balanced nutrition, increased physical activity and long-term behavioral changes rather than restrictive dieting, noting that sustainable habits are more likely to produce lasting results.
Weight management remains an ongoing process
Despite his success, Smith has been candid about the challenges that remain.
He previously acknowledged that binge eating remains something he manages and emphasized that his approach centers on moderation rather than eliminating favorite foods altogether.
"If I want to have it, I'm going to have it," he said of foods such as macaroni and cheese. "But I want to find a way to make it a treat versus a lifestyle thing."
Nutrition experts generally agree that allowing occasional indulgences can help improve long-term adherence to healthy eating patterns. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages flexible, balanced eating plans that include a variety of foods instead of labeling foods as entirely "good" or "bad."
Research has also shown that emotional eating and binge eating behaviors can make long-term weight management more challenging, highlighting the importance of addressing both physical and psychological factors during weight loss.
Focus remains on health, not perfection
Although Smith has already lost more than 70 pounds, he said he does not view his journey as complete.
"I'm not even close to my goal," he previously told People. "But I'm way happier where I'm at, and I feel better about the way I look."
His comments reflect a growing shift in conversations around weight management, with many health professionals encouraging patients to prioritize improvements in physical function, energy levels and overall well-being rather than focusing solely on the number displayed on a scale.
For the country singer, improvements from his weight loss are already evident, from performing with greater stamina to moving more comfortably during everyday activities. As he continues working toward his goal weight of 185 pounds, the country star says the greatest reward has been feeling healthier both on and off the stage.
