Did Elvis lose his weight

Answer 1

The answer is "yes" and "no". I'll explain.

Elvis Presley, from childhood until his 20's, had an incredible appetite which was only surpassed by his bountiful energy and metabolism (which allowed him to stay thin).

When Elvis was drafted into the US Army, where he served from 1958-1960, Elvis' body changed and he returned (in 1960) to the United States thinner and in better overall physical condition.

As Elvis aged his metabolism decreased and his weight fluctuated. Several examples are Elvis' 1968 TV Special, sponsored by Singer, where Elvis reduced his weight to 1968 pounds and many say it was the best Elvis looked in his life.

In 1973, for the Aloha From Hawaii Concert, Elvis was asked to lose "25-30" pounds which he did.

As Elvis' medical, mental, and emotional conditions deteriorated his weight increased. Many times, including the CBS telecast of Elvis Concert in 1977, Elvis appeared bloated - sickly - and painfully weak and in need of medical care including rest and treatment to reduce his dependency on prescribed medications.

However, there are many photographs of Elvis in 1976 and 1977 where Elvis appears healthy - smiling - and weighs what he should (based upon his height and age).

Elvis struggled with his weight, including during the 1960's when he was contractually obligated to (approximately) three pictures per year, as many of us do. The distinction is that Elvis was the most photographed entertainer who ever lived. Hence, his weight became "public knowledge".