Elvis ‘ate burgers constantly’: Memphis Mafia share how King’s weight gain affected shows

Footage of Elvis Presley during his final tour in 1977 show The King far from the physically fit state he’d been in just a few years earlier. Even Linda Thompson, who broke up with the star in Christmas 1976 was horrified by how different he looked compared to when she last saw him. There’s been much debate over the exact causes of The King’s decline and untimely death at 42, but contributing factors included his genetic health problems, prescription drug abuse and indulgent diet.

Elvis grew up on his mother’s old-timey Southern home-cooking full of deep-fried tasty dishes. And when The King became rich and famous he suddenly could pig out to his heart’s content.

Part of his monologue during his Las Vegas residencies included how he began to indulge in burgers and Pepsis when he went to Hollywood.

Back home at Graceland, the singer would obsessively eat the same thing over and over again, including meatloaf every night for dinner for six months.

In a new Q&A session, two Memphis Mafia members have shared some of Elvis’ favourite junk food choices they’d eat with him.

Jo said: “Actually that’s why he wore the sundial jumpsuit. He was more comfortable in [that one during] the last year that he toured because he had gained a little weight. He felt more comfortable in it.”

The reason was that the circular image on the stage costume’s chest and torso helped disguise Elvis’ expanding stomach.

She added: “And those suits were heavy, heavy, heavy. So he had to be able to feel comfortable and move around.”