Kim Wilde, who shot to fame in 1981 with Kids in America, has spoken candidly about her weight and said that her rock and roll lifestyle was having a ‘huge impact’ on it
Pop icon Kim Wilde has shared her secret to dropping the pounds, revealing that she’s in the best shape of her life. The ‘Kids in America’ hitmaker confessed that her weight was spiralling ‘out of control’, pinning it down to one major culprit.
The 63 year old songstress and mum-of-two attributed her expanding waistline to the rock and roll lifestyle, particularly her alcohol consumption. Chatting with The Times, she disclosed: “Up until a decade or so ago I’d drink most nights and on tour I could drink anyone under the table.”
Kim decided to ditch the booze eight years ago, a move that dramatically improved her physical and mental wellbeing. “Giving up alcohol had a huge impact on both my physical and mental health. I sleep better and think more clearly. Also, my weight is no longer out of control. It has been the best thing for me and I advise anyone about to hit their sixties: arm yourself with a sound health strategy and you’ll enjoy it all the more.”
Living in Hertfordshire, Kim faced a tough challenge last year when she suffered a severe slipped disc, causing excruciating pain. However, her commitment to a healthier, alcohol-free lifestyle played a key role in her recovery, reports Surrey Live.
She said: “I was in absolute bloody agony and so I promised myself, if I get through this without surgery I will be a good girl and really get fit. Now I work out twice a week with a personal trainer and I’m the strongest and fittest I’ve ever been in my life.”
Despite divorcing her husband Hal Fowler in 2022 after 26 years together, Kim Wilde has expressed profound contentment. She remarked: “I’m literally the happiest and the healthiest that I have ever been in my life. What I would say, especially to women, is if you can find peace by yourself, be able to find happiness on your own, that’s really a great gift.”
On quitting music for gardening, which led to appearances on ITV’s Better Gardens and penning newspaper columns, she noted: “I was 36, just married and a young mum when I gave up music for gardening. And it was perfect because who wants to be judged on what they look like every hour of every day? “
Fans still recognise the ‘Kids in America’ star frequently – even during ordinary errands, as she shared: “I popped into M&S yesterday to treat myself to a prawn cocktail sandwich. I had a baseball cap pulled down low but this couple came straight up to me and said, ‘You used to sing Kids in America, didn’t you? ‘ Then they launched into the chorus.
“I love this country because people are kind, friendly but also bloody hilarious! ” Reflecting on her journey, Wilde beams: “If anyone had told me I’d have this life when I was 21 I wouldn’t have believed them,” adding that, despite life’s trials, “I’m 63 and, finally, totally living the dream.”
Wilde is preparing to tour the UK in March 2025 with support from Cutting Crew, detailed on kimwilde.com.
