Drag Performer Jordan Bateman Loses 14 Stone, Transforms Life

Jordan Bateman, a 31-year-old drag artist from Swansea, has achieved a remarkable transformation, shedding an astonishing 14 stone (approximately 88.9 kg) in just one year. His weight loss journey began in July 2024, when he weighed 28 stone (177.8 kg) and struggled to breathe while performing as his drag persona, Ruby Slippers. The dramatic change in his health prompted his local Chinese takeaway to call and check on his well-being, expressing concern over his sudden absence.

The catalyst for this transformation was the weight loss injection Mounjaro, which Bateman obtained through the digital healthcare provider Numan before its availability on the National Health Service (NHS). With the jab, he has successfully reduced his weight to 14 stone, marking a significant milestone in his journey towards better health.

Jordan’s lifestyle changes have been profound. He has traded in his former diet of fast food, which included frequent stops at service stations for takeaways like lemon chicken and duck spring rolls, for a healthier, more balanced approach. He acknowledges spending over £3,000 on the treatment since August 2024, but emphasizes that the investment has been worthwhile, allowing him to move from a size 4XL to a medium.

Reclaiming Health and Confidence

Raised in Swansea, Jordan was an active child but found his health declining after entering the entertainment industry at the age of 18. The demands of touring made it difficult to maintain a healthy diet. He explained, “There’s no kitchen when you’re on the road, so my diet became all about what I could get at service stations.” This shift in lifestyle contributed to his significant weight gain.

The turning point for Jordan came during a performance when he was unable to finish a song due to breathlessness. “I thought, ‘This isn’t normal’,” he recalled. Upon visiting his GP in July 2024, he discovered his weight and realized he needed to make lasting changes. Initially, he considered a gastric sleeve but opted for Mounjaro after discussing options with his healthcare provider.

Mounjaro, or Tirzepatide, is a self-administered injection that helps patients feel full longer, encouraging dietary changes alongside regular exercise. Jordan began increasing his dosage from August 2024 but adjusted it due to nausea, following medical advice from Numan. He has committed to a complete overhaul of his eating habits, replacing junk food with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Now, he prepares meals in advance to avoid unhealthy temptations while on tour. His determination and hard work have led to increased energy levels, making it easier to engage with children during performances at holiday parks. Jordan has even noticed a change in how children depict him in drawings, evolving from a “circle” to a more typical “stick figure.”

Newfound Confidence and Future Aspirations

The transformation has not only changed Jordan’s physical appearance but also his outlook on life. He has become more empowered to explore romantic relationships, feeling confident for the first time in his adult life. As he embraces his new body, he expresses gratitude for the wake-up call that prompted him to reassess his lifestyle choices. “If I’d continued without a care in the world, I dread to think how heavy I would be now,” he reflected.

His journey serves as an inspiration to others considering weight loss. He advises consulting a GP before starting any weight-loss medications, emphasizing that success requires more than just injections. “It’s a commitment,” he said. “You mentally and physically have to change what you do for it to work.”

Jordan is determined to reach his target weight of 12 stone (76.2 kg), at which point he plans to discontinue the injections. His success story highlights the importance of seeking help and making informed choices about health and well-being. As he continues to thrive, he embraces life with renewed confidence, ready to take on new challenges both on and off the stage.