Jonathan Van Ness, the Emmy-winning star of Queer Eye, is sharing a personal milestone with their fans: a 66-pound weight loss. The 37-year-old took to Instagram on February 23, 2025, to post a side-by-side mirror selfie showing their transformation. The photo, which appeared to be a screenshot from the MyFitnessPal app, displayed the text: “Lost 66 pounds!”
The post marks a significant moment in Van Ness’s ongoing journey to better health, which they have openly discussed in recent months. About six weeks ago, Van Ness shared insight into their weight loss process, revealing that they have been using a GLP-1 medication to assist with the changes.
“Yes, I am on a GLP-1, or a weight-loss medication,” Van Ness explained in a TikTok video posted in January. “If you have been following me for a long time, you’ll know that I’ve 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.”
Jonathan Van Ness shares weight loss journey on Instagram Stories.
The GLP-1 medications Van Ness referenced are commonly prescribed to help with weight loss, particularly in individuals who are managing obesity or type 2 diabetes. These medications work by mimicking the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1, which helps regulate blood sugar and insulin levels in the body.
Van Ness’s weight loss journey has not been without challenges. In the past, the Getting Curious podcast host has been open about struggling with binge eating disorder, which led to periods of unwanted weight gain. They’ve shared that over the last couple of years, both public and private stresses exacerbated these challenges.
@jvn_official TW: Weight & ED 🫶 Hey y’all, I’m opening up about GLP-1 use and learning a lot along the way @Getting Curious Podcast
“I gained quite a bit of weight, wasn’t feeling good, and the most important thing is that my binge eating disorder was out of control,” Van Ness said. “I was consistently making decisions I regretted.”
To address the issue, Van Ness consulted with their doctor and was prescribed GLP-1 injections in September 2024. They reported immediate results. “I felt immediately better,” they said in a follow-up post. “For the first time in my life, I’ve had control over my food intake. It has just helped me so massively.”
Van Ness, who is also the founder of JVN Hair, stressed the importance of seeking help and support in times of need. They explained that they chose to open up about their experience not just to celebrate their own progress, but to encourage others who may be facing similar struggles to reach out for assistance.
“I know how important asking for help is and how much asking for help can change your life in terms of healing,” Van Ness shared. “I needed help.”
The Queer Eye star has been candid in the past about their battles with body image and eating disorders. For years, they have used their platform to advocate for mental health and self-care, including talking openly about how the pressures of fame and public scrutiny have impacted their own relationship with food.
Van Ness also noted the mental health benefits of their weight loss journey, highlighting the positive impact it has had on their overall well-being. “I’m feeling better than ever, and for the first time, I don’t feel like I’m at war with my body,” they said.
The social media posts and videos discussing their weight loss journey have received widespread support from fans, as well as a number of critics who have praised Van Ness for their openness and vulnerability. By sharing their personal experience with weight loss medication, Van Ness has helped to normalize the conversation around mental health and body image in the public sphere.
In a recent TikTok, Van Ness also teased that their podcast, Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness, would feature Dr. Terry Simpson, a board-certified surgeon and expert in weight loss procedures, in an upcoming episode. “We’ll be revisiting this topic,” Van Ness said, addressing the numerous questions they received from their audience. “We love you, I love you, and thank you for listening.”
Van Ness’s candid posts and discussions continue to inspire countless fans to be more open about their own health and wellness journeys. Whether addressing issues related to binge eating, body image, or the use of medications like GLP-1s, Van Ness’s transparency serves as an empowering example of how seeking help and taking control of one’s health can lead to positive changes.
