At 6’8″ and once tipping the scales at over 265 pounds, Kevin Love’s size had always been part of his basketball identity. Known for his bruising style of play, elite rebounding, and soft touch from deep, he was the embodiment of a classic power forward. But as his body aged and the NBA evolved into a faster-paced game, the weight that once gave him strength started to wear him down.
So why did Kevin Love decide to shed nearly 30 pounds? And how did the process challenge not just his body, but his mind?
The answers aren’t just about sports—they’re about survival.
From All-Star to Afterthought: The Wake-Up Call Kevin Love Couldn’t Ignore
By 2020, Love was no longer the central figure in a team’s offense. Injuries nagged him. The mental toll was mounting. The game had changed, and so had his role. The weight felt heavier than ever—not just physically, but emotionally.
“I wasn’t moving the same,” Love once admitted. “I’d get winded faster, my joints were screaming at me. I felt stuck—like I couldn’t be the player I wanted to be anymore.”
Those words weren’t said for sympathy. They were a confession from a man who knew something had to give.
A Shift in Mindset: Weight Loss as a Way Back
Kevin Love began his weight loss journey in his early 30s, eventually dropping from around 265 pounds to 235. That’s a stunning 30-pound transformation for someone whose size was once seen as essential to his game.
“I thought slimming down would help me keep up in transition. I needed to be faster, lighter. But I went too far,” he revealed in an interview. “I looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize myself.”
Imagine that. A five-time NBA All-Star, Olympic gold medalist, and champion—looking in the mirror and seeing a stranger. That’s when Love realized that weight loss wasn’t just about getting lighter. It was about balance.
Training at 7,000 Feet: The Utah Method That Shaped a New Body
In one of the more extreme phases of his transformation, Love spent a month training at high altitude in Park City, Utah. The city sits nearly 7,000 feet above sea level—a place where every sprint burns deeper, every breath comes harder.
“I lost 15 pounds in that month alone,” he said, attributing it to a strict training program and clean eating. That meant long sessions of cardio, altitude resistance work, and full-body weight training to preserve muscle mass.
But here’s the catch: losing weight isn’t always the win it seems.
Too Skinny for the Paint: When the Transformation Backfires
In the 2023 preseason, fans and commentators noticed Kevin Love looked… different. Not just lean—almost too lean.
He had dropped down to 240 pounds. The intention? To fit into a new, faster Cavs offense. But the results weren’t what he expected.
“I got too skinny,” Love admitted. “I didn’t have the strength I used to have in the post. I wasn’t holding my ground.”
It was a rare moment of vulnerability from a man known for his calm demeanor. His body had changed—but his game had suffered. Weight loss had become a double-edged sword.
So he adjusted—again.
Back to 251 Pounds: Finding the Sweet Spot
After several seasons of tinkering with his physique, Kevin Love settled around 250–251 pounds, a weight that allowed him to move better without sacrificing his physical presence.
“It’s about feel,” he said. “You don’t want to just be lighter—you want to be better.”
His diet shifted too. Gone were crash methods or unsustainable restrictions. In came consistency, balance, and a focus on longevity.
Inside Kevin Love’s Diet: Salmon, Greens, and Yes—Dark Chocolate Dates
At the core of Love’s health turnaround was a plant-forward, anti-inflammatory diet. His daily intake now includes:
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Fatty fish like salmon for omega-3s and muscle recovery
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Plenty of greens for micronutrients and gut health
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Clean carbs to fuel his workouts
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Chocolate-covered dates—a surprising indulgence for someone so focused on performance
His personal chef even measured his snacks. One teammate once joked, “Kevin doesn’t eat 10 almonds or 18 almonds—he eats exactly 14.”
Strict? Maybe. But it’s what got him back.
Mental Health, Body Image, and the Real Weight He Carried
Kevin Love has never shied away from talking about mental health. He’s shared publicly about anxiety, depression, and the pressure of expectations.
His weight loss wasn’t just a physical transformation—it was deeply psychological.
“There’s no separating mental and physical health. When I took care of my body, my mind followed,” Love once said in a candid interview.
That’s a lesson that goes beyond basketball. For many fans, hearing Love share those words has created a connection far deeper than points or rebounds.
What Now? Playing Into His Late 30s With Purpose
Now in his mid-30s, Kevin Love has rewritten the playbook on aging in the NBA. His weight loss wasn’t linear. It wasn’t perfect. But it was real.
He’s no longer expected to carry a team. But he’s found peace in his role—off the bench, mentoring younger players, and showing what reinvention looks like.
And when asked how long he plans to play?
“I’m not putting a limit on it,” he smiled. “As long as I feel good, I’m here.”
FAQs About Kevin Love’s Weight Loss Journey
How much weight did Kevin Love lose?
Kevin Love has lost up to 30 pounds, going from around 265 pounds to as low as 235, before settling at approximately 251 pounds.
Why did Kevin Love lose so much weight?
He wanted to improve agility and endurance to adapt to the modern, fast-paced NBA. However, he later admitted that losing too much strength affected his performance.
What is Kevin Love’s current diet like?
His diet emphasizes anti-inflammatory foods like salmon, leafy greens, healthy fats, and complex carbs. He avoids processed foods and maintains portion control.
Did Kevin Love’s weight loss affect his career?
Yes. Initially, it helped him move better, but being too light made him lose his edge in the post. Eventually, he adjusted to find a healthier balance that suited his game.
Does Kevin Love still follow a strict fitness regime?
Absolutely. Love trains regularly, includes high-altitude workouts, and is known for his discipline with both food and fitness—even in the offseason.
Has Kevin Love spoken about mental health in connection to weight?
Yes. He’s been open about how physical health impacts mental health and vice versa. He considers both equally important in maintaining well-being.