Jonathan Van Ness has responded to criticism following his 70-pound (32 kg) weight loss using GLP-1 medication.
The 38-year-old ‘Queer Eye’ star posted on TikTok on Thursday, October 30. He explained his decision amid accusations from fans that he no longer advocated for "body positivity."
"What do you mean? I advocate for body neutrality," Van Ness stated in the video.
He stressed that physical appearance does not determine an individual’s value. "The way you look does not define your worth, it does not determine how worthy of love you are," Van Ness said. "You deserve love and to celebrate yourself, no matter what your body looks like."
Van Ness disclosed he experienced a "medical issue" in 2023. He opted for GLP-1 because he "just wasn’t feeling well."
His routine also incorporates exercise, including Pilates. Van Ness expressed feeling significantly better physically.
"My body has never in my whole life [looked like this]; I always wanted abs," he shared. "I’ve never had abs. And I feel so good, so I take my shirt off often."
He added that he always felt cute but now "just wasn’t feeling well, and now I feel well." Van Ness remarked that he feels "like a f**king kitty cat right now." He hopes to fondly remember his current physique when he is older.
@jvn_official Wanted to share this 💅
Van Ness previously addressed his GLP-1 use in January. He revealed he was using the medication to cope with a binge eating disorder.
GLP-1 is a category of drugs that includes Ozempic. These medications are used for treating diabetes and assisting with weight loss.
At that time, Van Ness shared before-and-after photos on his Instagram stories. He indicated he had lost 66 pounds (30 kg) as part of his weight loss journey.
"Well, I have a confession to make. Yes, I am using a GLP-1 or a weight loss medication," Van Ness wrote in his January post. "If you’ve followed me for a long time, you’ll know I’ve gained and lost weight publicly multiple times."
He emphasized the need for additional support. "And at this stage of my life, I knew I needed a little extra help."
Van Ness stated he began GLP-1 injections in September 2024. He reported feeling "better immediately" after his binge eating disorder became "out of control."
He described a cycle of regret stemming from his eating habits. "Consistently made choices I regretted with compulsive eating and binging, which left me feeling really bad, depressed, and out of control."
The medication provided him with a new sense of agency. "For the first time in my life, I’ve had control over what I eat."
Van Ness concluded by underscoring the importance of seeking assistance. "It has helped me immensely, and that’s why I want to be honest with you about it," he said. "This time, I needed help."