Jonathan Van Ness Speaks Out on Weight Loss Journey and Body Positivity

In a candid response to recent criticism, “Queer Eye” star Jonathan Van Ness has addressed the backlash surrounding his 70-pound weight loss achieved with the help of GLP-1 medication. The 38-year-old television personality took to TikTok on October 30 to clarify his position on body image and explain the personal health journey that led to his transformation. What began as a response to criticism has evolved into a thoughtful conversation about the intersection of body positivity, personal health choices, and the complex relationship many people have with their bodies.

“I’m all about body neutrality,” Van Ness explained in his TikTok video, addressing accusations that his weight loss contradicted his previously vocal stance on body positivity. He emphasized that physical appearance should never determine a person’s worth or lovability, stating, “The way that you look does not define your worth, doesn’t define your lovableness. You are worth love and worth celebration, no matter what your body looks like.” This perspective highlights an important distinction between celebrating all body types and making personal health choices that feel right for one’s individual circumstances. Van Ness revealed that a “medical issue” in 2023 prompted him to consider GLP-1 medication, not because of dissatisfaction with his appearance, but because he “just didn’t feel good” physically. His decision represents the complex reality that many face when balancing body acceptance with health concerns.

The transformation has brought Van Ness noticeable physical changes that he’s openly celebrating, including his first-ever visible abdominal muscles. “My body’s never in my whole life [looked like this] — I’ve always wanted to have an ab,” he shared with enthusiasm. “I’ve never had abs. And I feel really good, so I’m taking my shirt off a lot.” This newfound physical confidence complements his assertion that he “was always really cute, and I always felt cute. But I just didn’t feel good, and now I feel good.” Van Ness expressed feeling “like a f***ing minx right now” and mentioned wanting to look back fondly at his body during his 30s when he reaches old age. His joy reflects not just physical change but an improvement in how he feels in his body—a distinction that’s often overlooked in discussions about weight and appearance.

Earlier this year in January, Van Ness had previously opened up about using GLP-1 medication—a category that includes drugs like Ozempic typically used for diabetes and weight management—specifically to address his struggles with binge eating disorder. At that time, he shared before-and-after photos on Instagram documenting his 66-pound weight loss journey, offering transparency about his use of medication. “Alright, I have a confession to make. Yes, I am on a GLP-1 or a weight-loss medication,” he wrote then. “If you have been following me for a long time, you’ll know that I gained and lost weight several times very publicly. And this time in my life, I knew that I needed a little bit of extra help.” His willingness to discuss both the physical and emotional aspects of his journey highlights the multifaceted nature of body image and health struggles that many people experience but may feel hesitant to discuss openly.

The GLP-1 injections, which Van Ness began in September 2023, provided relief from a binge eating disorder that had “spiraled out of control.” He described the profound impact this intervention had on his well-being: “I was consistently making decisions that I regretted with compulsive eating and with bingeing that just left me feeling really not good, depressed and out of control.” The medication offered Van Ness something beyond physical transformation—it gave him a sense of control over his relationship with food that had previously eluded him. “I, for the first time in my life, have had control over my food intake,” he explained, describing how this change positively affected his mental health and overall quality of life. His story illustrates how weight and body image issues often extend beyond physical appearance to affect multiple dimensions of health and happiness.

In sharing his experience so openly, Van Ness emphasizes the importance of seeking help when needed, stating, “I know how important asking for help is, and how much asking for help can change your life in terms of healing. This time, I needed help.” This vulnerable admission serves as a reminder that strength sometimes means recognizing when support—whether medical, psychological, or otherwise—is necessary. His story helps destigmatize both eating disorders and the use of medication as part of treatment, while demonstrating that body positivity can coexist with personal health decisions. For those struggling with similar challenges, Van Ness’s journey offers both hope and a model for approaching these issues with authenticity and self-compassion. His message ultimately transcends discussion of weight or appearance to emphasize the universal importance of seeking the support needed to feel healthy and comfortable in one’s body.