Van Ness's Open Weight Loss Story
Jonathan Van Ness has spoken freely regarding his efforts to shed pounds, achieving a reduction of almost 70 pounds assisted by GLP-1 treatments. Back in October, he clarified his choice to take these drugs despite criticism from supporters who felt the LGBTQ+ supporter had abandoned 'body positivity.'
'What do you mean? I'm all about body neutrality,' Van Ness replied in a TikTok clip then. '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.'
Addressing Health Challenges
Van Ness proceeded to detail a 'medical issue' he faced in 2023, noting he opted for GLP-1 medications—alongside a fitness plan featuring Pilates—since he 'just didn't feel good.'
'My body's never in my whole life [looked like this] -- I've always wanted to have an ab,' he mentioned during the video. 'I've never had abs. And I feel really good, so I'm taking my shirt off a lot.'
He added, 'I was always really cute, and I always felt cute. But I just didn't feel good, and now I feel good.'
Earlier Confessions on Medication Use
Several months prior, in January, Van Ness revisited his use of GLP-1 drugs—a type of slimming medication like Ozempic designed for managing diabetes—to assist with his struggle against compulsive overeating.
'Alright, I have a confession to make. Yes, I am on a GLP-1 or a weight-loss medication,' Van Ness posted on Instagram back then. 'If you have been following me for a long time, you'll know that I gained weight and lost weight several times very publicly. And this time in my life, I knew that I needed a little bit of extra help.'
He went on, 'I was consistently making decisions that I regretted with compulsive eating and bingeing that just left me feeling really not good, depressed and out of control. I, for the first time in my life, have had control over my food intake. It has helped me so massively, and that's part of why I wanna be honest with you about it because 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.'
