Famous YouTuber and activist Jazz Jennings has spoken openly about her experience with binge-eating disorder, as well as her journey to lose 70 pounds. Now, the 23-year-old is celebrating her new-found confidence.
In a June 5 Instagram post, Jazz posed in a blue and white sundress before a gorgeous ocean view. The outfit, Jazz wrote, made her feel like a "goddess."
"No matter my weight, I have always felt beautiful," she captioned the snap. "However, losing this weight and prioritizing my health has created a shift within."
"The first step toward improving your well-being is caring," she continued. "I finally care about myself after years of neglecting my health. I had truly let myself go when it came to eating. I am so proud of my weight loss, and I feel my confidence radiates through."
Jazz encouraged her followers to "take care of yourself and do things that make you feel happy and light." She ultimately signed off with, "Joy. Cherish. Peace. - Jazz✨💙✌️"
Jazz first started talking about wanting to start her health and weight loss journey back in 2021. So, what has helped Jazz reach her health and wellness goals? Here’s everything to know so far.
She started her weight loss journey in 2021.
In June 2021, Jazz posted two side-by-side photos of herself on Instagram, showing a before and after weight gain comparison, with a caption that explained where she was feeling mentally at that point.
“I’m posting this photo because it’s time for me to address my weight gain and hold myself accountable,” she wrote. “I’m ready to change my ways; I’ve been saying I’m ready to turn over a new leaf, but I’m running out of trees now. I’m ready to take the initiative and create positive changes when it comes to my health and body.”
She ended on this note: “Love you all, and thanks for understanding the battle I’m fighting to win❤️❤️❤️.”
She has been open about her eating disorder.
Jazz has binge-eating disorder, something she also addressed in her 2021 post.
“As many of you have noticed, over the past few years, I have gained a substantial amount of weight,” she wrote. “I suffer from binge-eating disorder, a disease in which I’m not only addicted to food, but I eat it in large quantities.”
Jazz also said that bingeing, along with an increased appetite she experiences from some of the medications she takes, caused her to gain almost 100 pounds in less than two years.
How did she lose weight?
While Jazz hasn't shared her exact diet and fitness routine in the intervening years, she has shared several Instagram posts demonstrating some of the steps she’s taken to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes working out and playing lots of sports.
In January of 2024, she shared a video of herself running with her dad, who is a total hype man. “There she is….the 2024 Jazz,” he cheered as they ran together.
Jazz has also shared photos of herself posing next to a tennis court, writing, “one step at a time,” in the caption.
Oh, and the star even joined a club lacrosse team at Harvard, where she goes to college. “Had my first lacrosse game with the Harvard club. It was so much fun!🌟❤️” she captioned a photo of herself on the field.
She has done “boot camp” workouts with her brother.
In 2022, Jazz shared a video of herself doing “boot camp” workouts with her brother, Sander. In the clip, Jazz and Sander do jumping jacks, planks, wall sits, and a half mile run. She wrapped things up by carrying Sander on her back.
It's not clear how often they did these "boot camps," but they definitely seemed like they were working hard while also having fun together.
How much weight did she lose?
In January, Jazz said that she’s lost 70 pounds and plans to lose more. She shared the news with an Instagram post that featured a picture of her posing on the beach in a bathing suit.
“Feeling happier and healthier than I’ve been in years,” she wrote in the caption. “I still have a ways to go, but I’m so proud to finally be taking the necessary steps toward bettering my mind, body, and spirit💜💜💜.”
Go, Jazz, go!
Korin Miller
Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.
