What does the cryptic crossword clue "Curvy figure initially lost kilo, say (5)" mean?

The definition is "Curvy figure". The wordplay uses a deletion. EIGHT (deletion) = EIGHT; definition: "Curvy figure" The answer is EIGHT.

Curvy figure initially lost kilo, say (5)

Guardian Cryptic #29083 | 26 Across | 2023-05-30 flower