Inside Ed Sheeran’s Body Transformation

Ed Sheeran’s total body transformation began during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After years of grappling with body image issues, the singer hired a trainer and started paying closer attention to what he was putting into his body.

“I would say I lived a pretty unhealthy life from 20 to 30, and even though I was doing professionally well, I wouldn’t say that reflected well into my personal life,” he told Men’s Health while gracing the cover in December 2025. “I do think that wellness is a direct mirror to mental health and the way you feel.”

While getting into the gym and rethinking his diet was sparked by a personal struggle, it also coincided with a major life change: fatherhood. Sheeran and his wife, Cherry Seaborn, welcomed their first child, daughter Lyra, in August 2020. Two years later in May 2022, Lyra’s little sister, Jupiter, arrived.

“I remember Lyra was two weeks old and I had my best mate round and we had a bottle of wine. I went to bed, then Lyra woke up 20 minutes after I’d fallen asleep. I woke up, and I was like, ‘F—, I probably shouldn’t drink if I’m going to feel this dreadful,’ ” he recalled to the outlet.

From his gym routine to his eating habits, here’s everything Ed Sheeran has said about his weight loss and fitness journey.

His wife and kids inspired his fitness journey 

Family played a key role in Sheeran’s decision to prioritize his health. He told Men’s Health that he wanted to “be a responsible dad” and to “feel and look good.”

The “Shape of You” singer was inspired along the way by Seaborn’s active lifestyle.

“My wife is a very athletic human being. In my twenties, I just smoked and drunk. She would always go on runs, and I always felt bad,” Sheeran added. “When COVID hit, Cherry got pregnant, and we started running together.”

He’s lost more than 30 lbs.

Sheeran began his fitness journey in 2020 with the help of trainer Ali Thomas. 

The pair worked together over Zoom amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and Sheeran credits Thomas with helping him develop a genuine love for fitness by focusing on the basics, from getting into proper form to finding workouts best suited to his body, per Men’s Health.

In early 2025, the singer brought trainer Matt Kendrick on the road with him, allowing him to stay consistent with his workouts throughout his Mathematics tour.

“It’s been a privilege working with Ed this last year and helping him transform his body and health. To do it whilst on a gruelling world tour and a completely insane daily schedule is testimony to his work and commitment,” Kendrick wrote on Instagram in December 2025.

Since committing to a regular fitness routine, Sheeran has lost more than 30 lbs., he told Men’s Health.

His workouts include running, lifting weights and Pilates

Sheeran’s workouts vary from day to day, incorporating everything from running and Pilates to swimming, yoga and weightlifting.

“Variety is the spice of life,” he told Men’s Health, after admitting he initially had to overcome his preconceived notions about lifting weights.

“I was always anti-weights, because I didn’t want to be like gym bro, Arnie-type,” he said, referring to Arnold Schwarzenegger. “Then, I realized that weights actually do lean you. I guess the myth of the gym is that you get really bulky.”

He’s become more mindful of his diet

Speaking with Rolling Stone in March 2023, Sheeran opened up about his struggles with food.

“I’m a real binge eater. I’m a binge-everything. But I’m now more of a binge exerciser and a binge dad,” he told the outlet.

One of the biggest surprises in Sheeran’s weight loss journey, he said, was how exercise naturally curbed his cravings for junk food and alcohol.

“My diet changed based on exercise. It kind of all went hand in hand,” he shared with Men’s Health. “I stopped smoking as much. I stopped drinking as much. Your lifestyle shifts because of the gym.”

Sheeran continued, “Moderation is key. I haven’t cut anything out of my life. I still drink. I love red wine, I love a nice meal, but it’s not every day.”