If you haven’t seen Jazz Jennings on your TV screen lately, you aren’t alone. The girl who basically became the face of the transgender youth movement at just six years old has been living a much quieter life lately. Honestly, after nearly two decades in the spotlight, who can blame her? For a long time, the narrative around Jazz was all about her transition. Then, it shifted. Suddenly, the headlines weren't about her advocacy but about her body.
People noticed she had gained weight. A lot of it. By the time her TLC show I Am Jazz was hitting its later seasons, the conversation had turned into a mix of genuine concern and, unfortunately, some pretty nasty internet commentary. Jazz didn't hide from it, though. She was incredibly open about the fact that she had gained nearly 100 pounds in a very short window.
So, what happened?
What Really Happened With Jazz Jennings and Her Health Journey
The truth is way more complicated than just "eating too much." Jazz eventually shared that she was struggling with Binge Eating Disorder (BED). It wasn't just a lack of willpower. She explained that it felt like an actual addiction, something she used to numb out the stress of being a public figure and the pressures of her own life.
It’s worth mentioning that her weight gain wasn't just about food habits, either. Jazz has been very transparent about how the medications she was taking—including those related to her mental health and her hormone replacement therapy—impacted her appetite. If you've ever dealt with meds that mess with your hunger cues, you know it's a losing battle. Your brain is essentially screaming at you to eat, and that's exactly what Jazz was dealing with.
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The Turning Point and the 100-Pound Milestone
By 2024, things started to look different. Jazz began posting updates that showed a massive physical transformation. But she wasn't just "getting skinny" for the sake of it. She reached a point where she had lost roughly 70 pounds, and by late 2024 and moving into early 2025, she had hit the 100-pound weight loss mark.
How did she do it?
- She prioritized her brain first. You can't fix a binge eating disorder with a treadmill. Jazz worked extensively with therapists to handle the emotional triggers that led her to food in the first place.
- Consistency over perfection. This is a big one. She stopped trying to be "perfect" and started focusing on just showing up.
- Family accountability. If you've watched the show, you know the Jennings family is intense. Her brother, Sander, became a huge part of her fitness journey, literally dragging her out to run and play tennis when she didn't want to.
- A "PCOS-friendly" approach. Interestingly, Jazz has mentioned following a diet that looks a lot like what someone with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) might use—lots of lean protein, healthy fats, and way fewer processed sugars.
There was a lot of speculation online about whether she used weight-loss drugs like Ozempic or underwent bariatric surgery. While Jazz hasn't officially confirmed using GLP-1 medications, she did mention in a 2026 update that she had a consultation for a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at one point when she felt stuck. She described the surgery as a "tool" she considered to help quiet the "noise" in her head around food.
Life at Harvard and Moving Away from TLC
For a while, everyone was wondering: Is she actually going to college? Jazz got into Harvard years ago. It was a massive deal. But she deferred. Then she deferred again. The pressure of being "The Harvard Girl" on top of "The Trans Girl" was clearly a lot to handle.
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As of 2026, Jazz has been much more focused on her studies and her personal life than on reality TV. I Am Jazz hasn't aired a new season since 2023, and it seems like the show might be on a permanent hiatus—or at least a very long break. She’s currently living a life that is, for the most part, "normal." She's still an activist, but it's less about being a circus act for cameras and more about actually living her truth.
Why the Public is Still Obsessed
People are fascinated because Jazz represents a very specific intersection of modern struggles. We’re talking about metabolic health, gender identity, and the toll of child stardom all wrapped into one person.
She’s also been a bit of a lightning rod for the "body positivity" movement. Some critics felt she "betrayed" the movement by losing weight. Jazz, however, has been pretty firm on this: she didn't lose weight because she hated her body; she lost weight because she wanted to be able to move again without being winded. She wanted her outsides to match the energy she felt on the inside.
Honestly, her recent photos show a person who looks… free. There’s a "radiance" (her words) that was missing for a few years there. She’s playing tennis, hiking, and posting bubble bath selfies that show a lot of confidence.
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What You Can Learn from Jazz’s Journey
If you’re looking at Jazz Jennings and wondering how to apply her "comeback" to your own life, there are a few real-world takeaways that actually matter:
- Address the "Why": If you're struggling with weight or mental health, the physical symptoms are usually the last thing to change. Jazz had to fix her relationship with her mind before the scale moved.
- Stop Comparing Your Day 1 to Someone's Day 1000: Jazz’s weight loss took years. It wasn't an overnight Hollywood transformation. She spent 2022 and 2023 grinding in private before the world saw the results in 2024 and 2025.
- Find "Joyful Movement": She hated the gym. She loved tennis. If you hate what you’re doing to stay healthy, you won’t keep doing it.
- Build a Support System: You don’t need a reality TV crew, but you do need a "Sander." Find that one person who will hold you accountable when you want to quit.
Jazz's story isn't over. It’s just moving into a different, quieter phase. She’s no longer the "trans kid" we all met on 20/20; she’s a 25-year-old woman navigating the messy reality of health, education, and fame.
Next Steps for You:
If you want to follow Jazz's current progress, her Instagram remains the most authentic place to see her updates. You can also look into resources for Binge Eating Disorder (BED) if her story resonated with your own struggles, as she has frequently recommended professional therapy as the first step toward recovery.