In a social media post shared on August 26th, the lead of I Am Jazz wrote, “Two years later and almost 100 pounds lighter! I’m so proud of my progress and want to thank my family, friends, and all who supported me in getting there!”
“Good health is not a certificate you display,” she added, “it is a constant effort! I still have room for improvement, but I am more motivated and inspired than I’ve been in years. Let’s keep it going!”
The video attached to the caption features a clip of Jazz running and exercising two years ago when she began her health journey juxtaposed with similar videos from 2024, showcasing her improvement.
The 23-year-old reality TV personality has been chronicling her journey on social media for some time. Earlier this year in January, Jazz posted a video of herself and her dad running together, captioning it, “My dad is the BEST. So supportive and empathetic. Thanks for always being there for me. Now I just have to be consistent in order to reach my health goals!”
Jazz Jennings' Journey To Wellness
Jazz became a household name with the debut of TLC’s hit reality series I Am Jazz which began in 2015. The show started out when Jennings was a teen navigating high school, but her journey was different because she also happens to be transgender.
In addition to her series, Jennings is an activist for LGBTQ+ rights and a YouTuber who has connected with a wide audience. I Am Jazz‘s eighth and most recent season concluded its run in 2023.
The Weight Loss Journey
The I Am Jazz star, 23, took to Instagram on Monday, August 26, to share a video of herself running and struggling to do a wall squat two years ago. The clip – which was set to Benson Boone’s song “Beautiful Things” – then jumped to more recent footage of her running and working out after she dropped a significant amount of weight.
“I’m proud of my progress towards better health, but I’m still running towards my goals!” text on the screen read as Jazz was shown running.
The reality star continued to reflect on her health journey in a lengthy caption. “Two years later and almost 100 pounds lighter! I’m so proud of my progress and want to thank my family, friends and all who supported me in getting there!” she wrote. “Good health is not a certificate you display, it is a constant effort! I still have room for improvement, but I am more motivated and inspired than I’ve been in years. Let’s keep it going!”
Shortly after Jazz shared the video, several fans rushed to the comments section to applaud her for her progress. “So proud of you! You’re looking amazing!! Keep up the good work! Keep doing the things that make you smile!” one person commented. Another chimed in, “You are beautiful no matter what and proud of your determination and accomplishments.”
Her brother Sander Jennings also added a sweet message by writing, “So proud to be by your side every step of the way! You inspire me so much. Keep pushing towards your goals.”
Addressing The Trolls
Jazz had been documenting her fitness transformation on social media, and she previously celebrated her 70-pound weight loss milestone in January. Meanwhile, she also reflected on her changing body in an Instagram post in June.
“You don’t love your body, you changed it,’ I understand this point, but I have a different perspective,” she wrote alongside a photo of herself wearing a one-piece swimsuit. “Sometimes, loving yourself and your body means honoring your desire to make a change.”
The TLC personality continued, “How you look is important in this world because it influences how we perceive one another. Our bodies are our vessels, and everyone should have autonomy over how they treat theirs, whether it’s through diet, exercise, how we dress, makeup or surgery. You do what makes you feel better about yourself.”
After noting that we live in an “appearance-focused world,” she called out those that feel like they can “tell someone else what to do.”
Jazz concluded the caption by explaining that she feels the “most confident presenting as the feminine woman I am.” She continued, “That’s how I want to be perceived. Loving myself and my body means taking the steps and making the changes that help me feel my best and present myself authentically. I hope that makes sense and that you can appreciate my perspective.”
A Timeline Of Jazz Jennings' Weight Loss Journey
Jazz Jennings has been candid with her followers about her weight loss journey over the years.
In June 2021, Jennings opened up about her weight gain and how she had been struggling with a binge-eating disorder.
“My binging, along with an increased appetite I experience from some of the meds I’m on, has caused me to gain almost 100 pounds in a little less than 2 years,” the I Am Jazz star wrote via Instagram at the time. “I’m posting this photo because it’s time for me to address my weight gain and hold myself accountable. 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.”
She continued: “I’m ready to take the initiative and create positive changes when it comes to my health and body. I have a fabulous team supporting me, both professionals and family/friends, but at the end of the day, I have to be the one committed toward bettering myself. I know I have the power in me to lose the weight, and I intend on sharing my progress with all of you. Love you all, and thanks for understanding the battle I’m fighting to win❤️❤️❤️.”
After making her public declaration, Jennings began her weight loss journey. She teamed up with her father, Greggory Jennings, and brother Sander Jennings who assisted her on many workouts.
A Time For Change
Jazz filmed a March 2022 Instagram Reel with Sanders as the brother-sister duo officially began their “boot camp.” Sander tasked the transgender activist to do various workouts including wall sits, jumping jacks, planks and more.
“Five minutes in and I’m already tired,” Jazz told the camera. “But it’s OK, we all have to start somewhere.”
After losing 70 pounds, Jazz celebrated by sharing a pic of her in a bathing suit gushing about how proud of how far she’s come so far.
“Feeling happier and healthier than I’ve been in years,” she captioned the January 2024 Instagram post. “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💜💜💜.”
After experiencing success in her weight loss journey, Jazz opened up via Instagram about the reason why she decided to focus on her fitness.
“No matter my weight, I have always felt beautiful. However, losing this weight and prioritizing my health has created a shift within. The first step toward improving your well-being is caring. I finally care about myself after years of neglecting my health,” she penned in June 2024. “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.”
A Message Of Body Positivity
Jazz took to social media to share a body-positivity message for all her followers.
“Every body is beautiful ❤️ To look at someone’s body and say ‘this is not beautiful’ is a reflection of social conditioning,” she wrote alongside a June 2024 Instagram Reel that showed her and Sander in bathing suits. “You weren’t born saying that some bodies are not attractive. You were taught it. We all were. To distinguish one body as being ‘better’ is a societal construct of beauty standards.”
She encouraged her followers to “stop judging” one another and prioritized giving everyone “respect.”
Shortly after posting her body-positive message, trolls flocked to the comments section asking why she decided to lose weight. Jazz addressed the remarks.
“Sometimes, loving yourself and your body means honoring your desire to make a change. It’s like going to the gym: you do it to boost your confidence and improve your image. How you look is important in this world because it influences how we perceive one another,” she penned. “Our bodies are our vessels, and everyone should have autonomy over how they treat theirs, whether it’s through diet, exercise, how we dress, makeup, or surgery. You do what makes you feel better about yourself.”
Still Running Towards More Goals
After putting in the effort for two years, Jazz celebrated losing 100 pounds and how she was motivated to keep up her new lifestyle.
“I’m so proud of my progress and want to thank my family, friends and all who supported me in getting there!” she captioned an August 2024 Instagram Reel that featured a montage of her working out over the years. “Good health is not a certificate you display, it is a constant effort! I still have room for improvement, but I am more motivated and inspired than I’ve been in years. Let’s keep it going!”
Jazz Jennings is a testament to the power of determination and self-love. Her story is an inspiration to us all as we navigate the complexities of body image and wellness in a world obsessed with appearances. Jennings shows that while making changes for ourselves is important, we should always strive to be the best version of ourselves, while respecting the choices of others.
