Jonathan Van Ness Responds to Backlash Over 70-Pound Weight Loss

Jonathan Van Ness is setting the record straight.

About a year after sharing that he was taking a weight-loss drug (GLP-1), the star of Queer Eye discussed his reasons for starting the medication and shared how much weight he’s lost.

Jonathan shared in a TikTok video on October 30th that he’s lost 70 pounds over the past year, and his weight loss has been a frequent topic of discussion.

The 38-year-old mentioned a lot of people have been talking about him, claiming he no longer supports body positivity.

“What do you mean by that?” he asked. “I believe in body neutrality – your value as a person isn’t tied to how you look. You deserve love and appreciation exactly as you are, no matter your body type.”

He emphasized that everyone deserves love and celebration.

Jonathan shared that he started taking GLP-1 medication—originally designed for people with Type 2 diabetes but now often used for weight loss—after experiencing a health issue in 2023. He also discussed his views on body positivity.

After experiencing a health scare, I decided to schedule a colonoscopy. If everything checked out, I planned to try a GLP-1 medication, as I simply wasn’t feeling my best.

And since starting the medication, he has seen a marked improvement. 

Jonathan shared that he’s in the best shape of his life after losing weight and starting Solidcore Pilates. He said he’s always wanted to have visible abdominal muscles, and now he finally does. He’s feeling so good that he’s been showing them off more often.

He’s feeling particularly good about himself lately, but he explained that he’s always been happy with his appearance.

He explained that he’s always considered himself cute, but more importantly, he finally feels good about himself now. He emphasized that feeling good was the key difference.

Jonathan said he was feeling particularly playful and confident. He explained that he wanted to have photos to look back on when he’s older, showing him looking good in his thirties, which is why he chose to go shirtless. He simply wanted to capture that feeling of looking and feeling cute.

Read on for more stars who have gotten candid about Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications. 

In October 2025, the star of Queer Eye revealed they began using a GLP-1 medication after experiencing a health issue in 2023.

Jonathan shared in a TikTok video that after experiencing a health problem, he planned to get a colonoscopy. If the results were clear, he intended to try a GLP-1 medication, as he simply wasn’t feeling well.

Jonathan shared that he’s in the best shape of his life after losing weight and starting Pilates at Solidcore. He said he’s always wanted visible abdominal muscles, and now he finally has them. He feels great and has been showing off his physique by taking his shirt off more often.

Even after losing seventy pounds with medication, Jonathan continued to champion body positivity.

They explained that they believe in body neutrality – the idea that your value as a person isn’t tied to how you look. You deserve love and appreciation regardless of your body type or appearance.

 

The comedian started taking the medication Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes in late 2022. She revealed a significant weight loss in May 2025.

Rosie shared on Instagram, expressing disbelief at her transformation, along with the hashtags #mounjaro, #weightloss, and #bodydismorphia.

Meghan Trainor and her husband, Daryl Sabara, bonded closely after welcoming their son, Riley, in 2021. They took on the intense 75 Hard challenge and successfully completed it, as Meghan shared on their podcast, Workin’ On It. They then started hearing from friends and even doctors who were using medications like Mounjaro and Ozempic.

Both Daryl and the singer decided to start with the smallest effective dose of Monjaro, and they’re combining it with regular exercise and healthy eating. The singer explained that they’re both committed to this journey together.

Kendra Wilkinson, known from Girls Next Door, tried a weight loss injection, but only used it once. She announced on Instagram in April 2025 that she’d started the shots, then quickly decided against continuing and said she was getting rid of it.

The model explained she didn’t want to take any chances with her health. As a mother of two, she’d heard too many frightening stories about people needing emergency room visits and even surgery, and she wanted no part of it.

In March 2025, the host of the Golden Globes spoke out in support of Ozempic, encouraging people to feel comfortable discussing their use of the medication.

She enthusiastically shared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that she fully supports anyone considering Ozempic. ‘I’m all for it,’ she said, adding, ‘I have no problem with it at all – do what makes you happy!’

Honestly, it’s EVERYTHING she said! She gets it. She totally understands that the judgment isn’t coming from a healthy place. It’s not about health at all, it’s about those who want you to stay the way you were! They’re furious when you start changing, when you start taking control, because honestly, that’s all they have to cling to – your ‘before.’ It’s like, they can’t handle someone becoming happier and more confident, especially if you were the one holding all the power the whole time. It’s so frustrating, but she just gets it. She’s so right!

The model stated in December 2024 that she previously used Ozempic, but she quit taking it when she began competing on Dancing With the Stars the prior autumn.

Nader admitted to trying the popular trend when it first started, like a lot of people. He said it initially made him feel sick, but he actually enjoyed it. However, when he competed on Dancing with the Stars, he realized he couldn’t continue doing both.

As a lifestyle expert, I often talk about finding what truly motivates you, and that’s exactly what happened with me and my fitness routine. I started taking medication that unfortunately zapped my energy and drive to work out. It became clear I had to choose – either stick with the medication or prioritize exercise. Ultimately, I decided to put the workouts first and stop taking the medication. I chose dancing – something I genuinely loved – and it felt like the right path for me.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m always thrilled to hear about people achieving their wellness goals! I recently learned that Dog the Bounty Hunter’s daughter has lost an incredible 58 pounds over the past 10 months. She credits a combination of dietary changes and using the medication Tirzepatide for her success, and honestly, the best part? She says she finally feels proud of the progress she’s made and loves looking at herself in the mirror – and that’s what it’s all about!

Before finding a solution that worked for her, she had a difficult experience with Ozempic. “I really disliked it,” she told TopMob News. “It made me feel nauseous whenever I tried to eat, and sometimes I couldn’t eat anything at all. My body just didn’t react well to it.”

The star of The Real Housewives of New York City recently addressed rumors about her noticeable transformation between seasons 14 and 15.

She explained to Us Weekly in October 2024 that it’s common for people on reality TV to face speculation about cosmetic procedures, like having plastic surgery or using weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. She strongly dislikes Ozempic and said she would never inject herself with it.

After people on social media began wondering if Lizzo had used the drug Ozempic to lose weight, sparked by a recent photo showing her slimmer physique, the singer responded with a video. The video featured a popular sound clip from the movie Django Unchained – a line spoken by Christoph Waltz’s character saying, “It’s like a reward.”

Kate Moss‘ little sis revealed why getting on Ozempic was “the worst decision I ever made,” during a September 2024 episode of her Dream On podcast. 

The model became sick after accidentally taking a dose of medication intended for someone weighing around 220 pounds or more, and had to be treated in the emergency room because they couldn’t keep any food or water down.

She said she actually had a seizure because she was so dehydrated, and it was the most frightening experience of her life. A friend had to hold her feet still, and she described her face and body tightening up – the whole thing was terrifying.

In April 2024, Jon Gosselin, known from the show Jon & Kate Plus 8, told Page Six that he lost 32 pounds over two months using semaglutide injections—the generic version of the drug Ozempic.

“You know what’s annoying?” he said. “The regret of not starting it 10 years ago.”

Ree Drummond, known as the Pioneer Woman, revealed in a March 2024 blog post that she didn’t use Ozempic or other weight loss drugs to lose 50 pounds in 2022.

She emphasized that she would never criticize anyone for making that choice.

In August 2023, the actor from 30 Rock shared on Today With Hoda and Jenna that he lost weight using Ozempic, which reduced his appetite.

In March 2024, he revealed a surprising update about his health. Appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, he joked, “I’ve actually managed to eat more than Ozempic suppresses my appetite,” and explained that he had gained 40 pounds.

He later told TopMob News he was just kidding, and shared, “Ozempic worked well for me, and I was happy to have used it.”

The star of The Real Housewives of Dubai recently revealed she used Ozempic while experiencing a midlife crisis at age 45.

Caroline Stanbury admitted on her podcast, Uncut & Uncensored, that losing weight becomes significantly harder after age 40. She revealed that many women had asked her how she’d managed to stay in shape, and she was honest about using Ozempic, which she believes is a very effective weight loss aid if accessible.

During a July 2024 appearance on Watch What Happens Live, the Real Housewives of New Jersey star stated she doesn’t use Ozempic. She jokingly confessed she’s actually using Mounjaro, adding that she’s happy with her current weight and has plenty of energy.

A former star of The Real Housewives of Atlanta shared that she wasn’t successful in losing weight using the medication she tried.

She explained that a certain treatment didn’t reduce her appetite at all. Unlike some people who lost their appetite, she continued to eat normally – appetizers, a full meal, and even dessert. She shared this in June 2024, adding that seeing it work for others while it didn’t help her left her feeling down and questioning what was wrong with her.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve been following the conversation around medications like Ozempic closely. While I’m not a medical professional and can’t offer medical advice, I can say there’s a lot of discussion – and growing evidence – about what’s truly effective and what potential downsides exist. I believe Ozempic can be really helpful for some, but it’s also important to be aware of the risks involved.

As a long-time fan, it’s been really brave of Perrie Edwards to talk so openly about her health journey. She’s been honest about her past with anorexia, and recently admitted it’s been tough dealing with all the online chatter about her weight, especially with people speculating she might be using Ozempic. It’s good she’s addressing it, but it’s also sad she even has to, you know?

Jade shared with The Guardian in August 2025 that she constantly struggles with the temptation to try Ozempic. While she understands why others use it, she worries that, given her past with eating disorders, it could lead to unhealthy behaviors for her.

Oh my gosh, you will NOT believe this! Apparently, Jennie Garth from Beverly Hills, 90210 actually tried some weight loss drug after having her son, Beau, back in 2017. I was so shocked when I found out! She just wanted to get back to feeling like herself again, and I totally get it, but still… a drug?! I’m obsessed with knowing everything about her life, and this is just… wow.

She mentioned on her podcast in April 2024 that Ozempic wasn’t effective for her, but Mounjaro helped her lose weight.

The actress explained to Francesca Amiker of TopMob News that it’s crucial to remember medications are prescribed for specific individuals and shouldn’t be used simply for cosmetic reasons.

Raven said, “Take care of business, but please make sure the medicine goes to those who truly need it.”

In September 2023, the host of Talk U.K. shared that she had lost 42 pounds after using the medication Ozempic earlier that year.

She told TopMob News that the decision is entirely personal. She also clarified that using aids to help with weight loss is common and shouldn’t be considered shameful.

She added, “We don’t have to bulls–t.”

Sharon’s daughter has also weighed in on the Ozempic trend.

“It’s fantastic,” the former star of Fashion Police told TopMob News in January 2024. “There are so many ways to lose weight, so why not choose something more enjoyable than just hitting the gym?”

 

Kate Winslet, known for her role in Titanic and previously scrutinized by the tabloids for her weight, has spoken out about the current trend of focusing on weight loss.

In a March 2024 interview with The New York Times Magazine, Kate confessed she wasn’t familiar with Ozempic, saying, “All I know is that it’s some pill people are taking.”

“Oh, my God,” Kate remarked after learning about the injectable. “This sounds terrible.”

In December 2023, the star of The Hills shared that she had recently lost 22 pounds without using Ozempic. She told Page Six that she believes there are no easy fixes when it comes to weight loss, and she wouldn’t consider using a drug like Ozempic herself. While she didn’t want to call anyone out specifically, she made it clear it’s not something she’d ever do.

Heidi said she’s looking for something sustainable and isn’t afraid of putting in the effort to make it work.

During her June 8, 2023 appearance on Watch What Happens Live, the Trainwreck star openly criticized celebrities for being dishonest about using Ozempic to lose weight.

She said it seems like everyone is trying Ozempic. Addressing Andy Cohen, she called out people who claim they’re simply eating smaller portions, saying, ‘Stop lying. If you’ve lost weight, it’s either from Ozempic or cosmetic procedures.’

Senator Schumer, known for being honest about her health choices, explained, “Just be upfront with people. When I had liposuction, I openly admitted it.”

She shared that she quickly became very interested in Ozempic in 2022, but ultimately stopped taking the medication, which is typically used for Type 2 diabetes. She explained it made it difficult to fully enjoy time with her son, Gene, and wasn’t sustainable for her long-term.

I remember being too sick to play with my son,” Schumer shared. “I was really thin at the time, and he was throwing a ball at me, but I just didn’t have the strength to participate.

Dr. Drew recently told TopMob News that people generally have complicated reactions to shows like Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test. He explained that while viewers are often fascinated, they also tend to be critical of the participants.

He added that if a treatment could potentially help, people should definitely consider trying it.

Forget winter, a hot take is coming.

The former Game of Thrones star didn’t hold back when discussing Ozempic and the commercials promoting it.

On April 5, 2023, the actress shared a post on her Instagram Story from writer Sophie Vershbow. Vershbow had tweeted a strong reaction to advertisements for Ozempic, a weight loss drug, that she saw in the Times Square subway station, saying she was very upset by them. She also included photos of the ads, which highlighted the ease of use with phrases like “One shot to lose weight” and “A weekly shot to lose weight.”

Turner adding her own commentary, writing, “WTF.”

Novo Nordisk, the company that makes Ozempic, has stated that the drug is not currently approved by the FDA for long-term weight loss.

Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, stated that although some doctors may be prescribing the drug for weight loss, the company does not support or encourage using its medications for purposes other than those officially approved. They emphasize their commitment to following all U.S. laws and regulations regarding how they promote their products. Novo Nordisk also believes doctors are carefully considering each patient’s specific health needs when choosing the right treatment.

Comedian Chelsea Handler is speaking out about Ozempic, explaining that her doctor prescribed it to her for anti-aging purposes without fully explaining what the drug was.

She explained on the January 25, 2023 episode of Call Her Daddy that she wasn’t aware she was trying to lose weight. Someone had told her, ‘If you want to lose five pounds, this will help.’

But while she tried the drug, Handler noted that she didn’t like how it made her feel.

She remembered returning from vacation and immediately using the medication. A few days later, while having lunch with a friend, the friend mentioned feeling sick and revealed she was taking Ozempic. She realized she was feeling unwell too, but initially attributed it to jet lag from her trip to Spain.

Handler eventually quit taking the medication because she didn’t need it for her health, and she shared any leftover pills with friends.

She admitted to giving Ozempic to around four or five friends, explaining she decided against using it herself because she thought it was unnecessary. She described having friends come to her house to receive injections, scheduling appointments throughout the day.

Khloe Kardashian clapped back when commenters on Instagram speculated that she was taking Ozempic. 

Kardashian responded to criticism in a January 2023 post, pointing out her dedication to fitness. She explained she works out five days a week, starting at 6 a.m., and asked people to stop making assumptions about her. She added that, despite the new year, some people remain unkind.

Okay, so Dr. Dubrow is even MORE amazing than I thought! I found out he didn’t just start using this weight-loss drug, he actually tried Mounjaro himself for a little while back in January 2023! Can you believe it? He wanted to understand how it works, how it affects your body, firsthand. It’s just… dedication! He’s seriously the best, always going the extra mile to be knowledgeable and help people.

The Botched star said she was really impressed with the weight loss medication. She didn’t need to lose a significant amount of weight herself, but she was curious to experience it firsthand, since many of her patients were using it. She wanted to see how it felt to lose just 10 to 15 pounds when you don’t have diabetes.

Dr. Dubrow revealed he’s stopped taking a weight-loss medication, but he didn’t share details about how much weight he lost or how long he used it.

He decided to stop taking the medication because he wanted to regain his appetite, and he’d also been feeling mildly nauseous.

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2025-10-31 04:49