| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jonathan McDonald Van Ness |
| Age | 37 (as of 2025) |
| Profession | TV Personality, Hairdresser, Author, Podcaster |
| Known For | Queer Eye, Getting Curious with JVN, LGBTQ+ Activism |
| Weight Loss Amount | 66 pounds |
| Method Used | GLP-1 Medication (e.g., Ozempic, Mounjaro), Group Pilates, Diet Change |
| Key Motivation | Binge-Eating Disorder, Mental Health, Self-Control |
| First Public Reveal | Instagram Stories (Feb 23, 2025) |
| Notable Quote | “Take what works for you & leave the rest.” |
| Source | https://people.com/jonathan-van-ness-shares-photos-of-dramatic-weight-loss-11685072 |
Jonathan Van Ness made the decision to share a personal achievement in recent weeks that goes well beyond appearances. The 37-year-old Queer Eye star subtly shared mirror selfies of himself losing 66 pounds, then revealed an incredibly open account of how he achieved it. He didn’t preach perfection in his caption. Rather, it provided words for resistance, advancement, and—above all—acceptance.
Van Ness discovered a breakthrough by incorporating GLP-1 medication, a prescription drug that is commonly used to treat diabetes but is also being prescribed more frequently for weight loss. These drugs, such as Mounjaro and Ozempic, control appetite and fullness. However, Jonathan’s goal was not to lose weight quickly. Regaining control over the behaviors that had left him feeling lost was the goal. He posted on TikTok, “My binge-eating disorder was out of control,” referring to years of personal struggle concealed by a public smile.
After months of reflection and experimentation, he ultimately came up with a multi-pronged strategy. Van Ness discovered his rhythm by cutting back on alcohol, implementing a highly regimented diet, and dedicating himself to group Pilates. He attributes the development of a sense of responsibility and happiness that had been lacking to group exercise in particular. Pilates helped him rediscover movement as presence rather than punishment, and it was remarkably beneficial for his body and mind.
It’s critical to take into account the emotional background he offered. Van Ness opened a door in a society that still largely exalts weight loss without examining the factors that contribute to weight gain. He wasn’t afraid to point out the negative emotional effects of binge eating, including the spirals, the regret, and the ensuing depression. His followers found great resonance in his frankness, as they saw aspects of themselves in his experience.
Many people subtly developed or worsened disordered eating patterns during the pandemic. Like many others, Van Ness turned to food as a coping method. However, Jonathan offered his audience something far more valuable than the ambiguous diet tricks used by many public figures to hide their transformation: candor about needing help.
He made a move that is becoming more and more common among celebrities by speaking with his doctor and accepting medical intervention through GLP-1 therapy. Elon Musk and Oprah Winfrey have both discussed similar routines. The way Van Ness presents it—not as a quick fix, but as a component of a healing approach that encompasses mental wellness—makes his viewpoint especially powerful.
His experience represents a larger change in the context of contemporary health trends. More people are choosing to talk about invisible struggles, such as addiction, burnout, or eating disorders, especially in the entertainment industry. For Jonathan, who has devoted a large portion of his professional life to promoting self-love, showing vulnerability wasn’t a brand change. It was an extension of the values he has always upheld: care, community, and truth.
It sounds more like a mantra than advice when he says, “Take what works for you and leave the rest.” Without passing judgment, it promotes personal journeys. And it is this spirit of generosity that sets him apart from the cacophony that is frequently found on the internet. The goal of Van Ness’s metamorphosis was not to change who she was. It was about finding the stable, strong, and happy version of himself again.
All throughout Hollywood, this emotional maturity is evident. For example, Jonah Hill has discussed body image and therapy in public. Sam Smith has also talked about their experience with mental health issues and weight fluctuations. Once shrouded in silence or shame, the conversation is now more widely visible and remarkably human.
Van Ness has contributed to the fight against stigma and false information by drawing attention to the use of GLP-1 medications without making it seem glamorous. By doing this, he created room for more complex discussions about weight loss. Medication is not necessary for everyone. Everybody reacts differently. However, he suggests that everyone should have the freedom to choose the healing approach that works best for them.
His apparent significant improvement in mental health—which he has frequently mentioned—stands out. It’s not just the weight loss that makes his tone sharp; it’s also the clarity with which he now speaks. This moment feels like the culmination of his inner and outer work finally matching for fans who have followed him from Queer Eye to his podcast and beyond.
By making deliberate lifestyle adjustments and communicating openly, Van Ness not only revolutionized his own health journey but also the way we discuss transformation. Not as a shiny final product, but as a sequence of decisions made time and time again, with compassion and effort.
Van Ness exudes calmness and confidence in his most recent updates. Many fans have noted that his glow extends beyond his skin. This is due to the fact that it is based on daily practice, emotional control, and continuous healing rather than just weight loss.
