‘Queer Eye’ Star Jonathan Van Ness Shows Off Body After 66-Pound Weight Loss- Here’s EXACTLY How He Did It

Jonathan Van Ness, the star is best known for his charming on-screen presence on Netflix's 'Queer Eye', has shocked fans with a drastic new look. The 37-year-old recently went on social media to announce he has lost 66 pounds, posting before-and-after photos highlighting his impressive weight loss. Though his journey involved the use of GLP-1 medications, Van Ness also made considerable changes to his lifestyle in order to reach his outcomes.

Van Ness, who has always been open about his body image and mental health struggles, posted his weight loss progress through Instagram Stories. The comparison pictures showed an older picture of his with more of a fuller build next to his current, thinner version of himself. The overlay caption boasted, "Lost 66 pounds!" and was accompanied by the MyFitnessPal logo, insinuating that the use of dietary tracking helped in his makeover.

His honest disclosure immediately fueled discussions, not only on his remarkable weight loss, but also on the regimen he used to get there. One month ago, Van Ness had also quelled rumors, confessing in a TikTok video that he was taking an GLP-1 medication—one of the most buzzed-about weight-loss drugs in recent years.

Van Ness confirmed that he had been prescribed a GLP-1 drug after a consultation with his physician. GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone that regulates blood glucose and hunger. Originally intended for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, such drugs—such as brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro—have become trendy among celebrities and the general public for their weight-reducing attributes.

"I've lost and gained weight many times quite publicly, but this time, I required a little bit of additional assistance," Van Ness described, pointing out that his most recent weight gain had been motivated by private personal struggles in the last couple of years. He acknowledged that binge-eating disorder was the central reason behind his weight changes, causing him to experience compulsive eating and guilt.

After attempting a pill form of the medication to no avail, Van Ness moved to an injectable GLP-1 in September 2023. The effect was near-instant. "For the first time ever in my life, I had control over what I ate," he explained, noting the medication has been "massively helpful."

Lifestyle Changes That Made the Difference

Although GLP-1 drugs were part of his change, Van Ness stressed that his weight loss was not only because of the medication. He consciously and sustainably changed his lifestyle so that he would take back control of his well-being.

"I want to mention GLP-1s have been a huge help, but I have also made huge other changes," he said in a social media post. These included:

Healthier Diet: Van Ness overhauled his diet, adopting healthier and more balanced meals.

Reducing Alcohol Consumption: Reducing alcohol consumption was an important factor in enhancing his physical as well as mental health.

Adopting Group Fitness: He emphasized that group Pilates had been the most important modification in his process, enhancing his overall mental and physical health.

"My mental state and overall mood is a different world since last year, and the most significant change was group fitness," he added.

Psychological Impact of Weight Loss and Body Image

Van Ness has been a long-time advocate for mental health awareness, frequently writing about the overlap between body image and emotional health. His recent weight gain, he conceded, had left him feeling "depressed and out of control." He credits medication, but also therapy, exercise, and self-care, with helping him find balance again.

His tale emphasizes a significant discussion regarding weight loss and the emotional price it extracts. Most people struggling with weight issues go through phases of bingeing, self-criticism, and anxiety. Van Ness' honesty regarding his experience motivates others to reach out and find various methods that suit them.

Are GLP-1 Medications a Growing Trend in Hollywood?

Van Ness is not the first public figure to speak about taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss. Over the past few years, a number of celebrities have admitted to taking the drugs.

Whoopi Goldberg has revealed that she lost considerable weight after taking Mounjaro, a GLP-1 drug taken for Type 2 diabetes.

Oprah Winfrey has talked about taking a GLP-1 agonist, although she has not revealed which exact drug.

Kelly Clarkson also revealed taking a weight-loss drug, though she claimed it was not Ozempic but did not provide more information.

The increasing discussion of these drugs has led to arguments about their availability, long-term health impacts, and ethics. Though they have been a miracle for those with weight-related health conditions, there is still fear of their overuse and social pressure to achieve specific body ideals.

With all the ongoing talk about GLP-1 meds, Van Ness' openness reminds us that weight loss isn't simply numbers on a scale but about being better, whole, and complete.