Jonathan Van Ness is sharing how weight-loss medication has played a key role in managing his binge-eating disorder. In a TikTok video posted on Wednesday, January 8, the Queer Eye star, 37, discussed how taking a medication designed to aid in weight loss has also helped him in other aspects of his life.
Van Ness began by admitting, “Alright, I have a confession to make. Yes, I am on a GLP-1 for a weight-loss medication.” GLP-1 medications, according to the Mayo Clinic, mimic the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1. This hormone helps regulate blood sugar levels after eating by increasing insulin production, a process that is especially beneficial for people with diabetes.
Van Ness explained that anyone who has followed his journey knows he has experienced fluctuations in weight publicly. He admitted, “I’ve gained and lost weight several times very publicly,” but this time, he felt he needed extra help. “With everything I’ve been through publicly and privately in the last couple of years, I gained quite a bit of weight, wasn’t feeling good,” he shared. “The most important thing was, my binge-eating disorder was out of control.”
The hairstylist and TV personality explained that he had been struggling with compulsive eating, often making choices he regretted. “It would leave me feeling really not good, depressed, and out of control,” Van Ness said.
After speaking with his doctor, Van Ness decided to try GLP-1 medications. He explained that these medications are available in both pill and injection forms. “We ended up trying shots,” he said. “And I gotta tell you, this was back in September, it felt immediately better.”
For the first time, Van Ness felt in control of his food intake. “It helped me so massively, and that’s part of why I wanna be honest with you about it,” he said. “I know how important asking for help is, and how much asking for help can change your life in terms of healing.”
Van Ness closed the video by announcing that his Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness podcast would soon feature Dr. Terry Simpson, a board-certified surgeon and weight-loss expert. “I got so many questions, so we will be revisiting this,” he said. “We love you, I love you, and thank you for listening, and I wish you all have a good day.”
