Ross Mathews, the effervescent TV personality known for The Drew Barrymore Show and RuPaul’s Drag Race, has won hearts with his humor and authenticity. But it’s his incredible weight loss journey—shedding 80 pounds—that’s inspiring fans worldwide. Sparked by personal tragedy and fueled by sustainable habits, Ross Mathews’ weight loss story is a blend of practical choices and emotional healing. From his signature “Rossipes” to embracing walking in New York City, Ross proves health is about progress, not perfection. In this article, we’ll explore his methods, challenges, and tips to help you start your own wellness journey, all crafted to inform, engage, and rank high in search engines.
Who Is Ross Mathews?
Before diving into Ross Mathews’ weight loss, let’s celebrate the man behind the glow-up. Born on September 24, 1979, in Mount Vernon, Washington, Ross first charmed audiences as “Ross the Intern” on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. His infectious energy led to roles on Chelsea Lately, Celebrity Big Brother, and as a beloved judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race. A bestselling author of Man Up! and Name Drop, Ross also co-hosts The Drew Barrymore Show and runs a podcast, Straight Talk with Ross Mathews. Openly gay and married to Dr. Wellinthon García since 2022, Ross’s warmth shines in all he does.
Ross’s weight loss, which began in 2020 and hit major milestones by 2024, isn’t about fitting a Hollywood mold—it’s about living longer and healthier for his loved ones. His honesty about past struggles makes his transformation a beacon for anyone seeking change.
The Spark Behind Ross Mathews’ Weight Loss
Ross Mathews’ weight loss journey was born from profound loss. In May 2020, his mother, Gaye, passed away from breast cancer at 69, a devastating blow for Ross, who called her his “head cheerleader.” “I couldn’t imagine a world without her,” he shared on Instagram. Her death, coupled with the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, pushed Ross to confront his health. At his heaviest, around 250 pounds, he faced risks like high blood pressure, echoing his father’s death from lymphoma in 2004. “I realized I wanted to be on this planet as long as possible,” he told People.
Rather than dwell on grief, Ross chose action. His mother’s vibrant spirit inspired him to gain control where he could—his health. This emotional drive, paired with a practical mindset, set the stage for Ross Mathews’ weight loss, making it a deeply personal mission.
How Ross Mathews Achieved His Weight Loss
Ross Mathews’ weight loss, reaching 80 pounds by 2024, is a masterclass in sustainable change. Partnering with WeightWatchers and crafting his own approach, Ross ditched fad diets for lasting habits. Here’s how he did it:
- Rossipes: Healthy, Flavorful Cooking
Ross’s love for food, a bond with his mom, didn’t vanish—he reinvented it. His “Rossipes,” shared on Instagram and The Drew Barrymore Show, swap heavy ingredients for lighter ones, like spaghetti squash for pasta or chickpeas in soups. “Nothing’s off-limits,” he told Eating Well. A typical Rossipe: a high-protein lasagna with zucchini noodles, keeping him full without guilt. He focused on lean meats, veggies, fruits, and portion control, cutting processed snacks like late-night pizza. Occasional treats, like a bite of mac and cheese, kept balance. - Walking as His Exercise Staple
Ross famously avoids gyms—“I feel like I don’t belong there,” he admitted. Instead, moving to Manhattan in 2020 made walking his go-to. “A restaurant’s a mile away? That’s a 25-minute walk,” he told People. Daily strolls, often with AirPods blasting music, burned calories and boosted his mood. With his husband, Wellinthon, he added weekend swims or countryside walks, making movement a lifestyle, not a chore. This accessibility powered Ross Mathews’ weight loss without intense workouts. - Mindset and Therapy for Emotional Growth
Past weight loss attempts, like losing 40 pounds on Celebrity Fit Club in 2007, relied on shame and crashed with binges. This time, Ross worked with a therapist to unpack emotional eating, especially after his mom’s death. “It’s not just about food—it’s why you’re overeating,” he told Good Housekeeping. Mindfulness and journaling helped him process grief without “grief pizza.” This mental shift made his transformation stick. - Support from WeightWatchers and Loved Ones
Ross joined WeightWatchers, using its points system to track meals without feeling deprived. Nutritionists taught him healthy portions, while Wellinthon cooked alongside him, reinforcing teamwork. “We take care of each other,” Ross told PageSix. Fans’ encouragement on social media, cheering his Rossipes, added motivation, turning Ross Mathews’ weight loss into a community effort. - No Shortcuts, Just Choices
Ross denied using drugs like Ozempic, telling PageSix, “I didn’t take anything, but no judgment to those who do.” His focus was daily choices—swapping soda for water, cooking over takeout. By 2023, he’d maintained 60 pounds off for three years, reaching 80 pounds by 2024, proving consistency beats quick fixes.
Challenges Along the Way
Ross Mathews’ weight loss wasn’t a straight path. Growing up, bullying over his high-pitched voice and weight fueled insecurities. Fame amplified this—on Celebrity Fit Club, public weigh-ins drove results but not lessons, leading to regain. “I ate two Domino’s pizzas after,” he told People. Post-2020, grief tempted him to overeat, with late-night snacks like Doritos or pizza as comfort.
His busy career—filming, touring, hosting—disrupted routines. Social media brought mixed reactions; some praised his slim frame, others questioned his methods. Yet Ross stayed focused, using therapy to navigate shame and setbacks. “I’ll mess up, but I keep going,” he said, embracing progress over perfection.
Tips Inspired by Ross Mathews’ Weight Loss
Ready to draw from Ross Mathews’ weight loss journey? Here are five actionable tips:
- Cook Smarter, Not Less
Try Rossipes—swap pasta for veggies or cream for yogurt in recipes. A dinner idea: grilled chicken with cauliflower mash. Cook at home to control ingredients. - Walk Your Way to Health
No gym? Walk 20-30 minutes daily, like Ross. Add music or a podcast for fun. It’s free, easy, and builds momentum. - Tackle Emotional Eating
Stress snacking? Journal or talk to someone, as Ross did with therapy. Five minutes of reflection can curb mindless bites. - Keep Treats in Check
Don’t ban favorites—budget them. Ross enjoys a dessert bite, not a whole cake. Plan one treat weekly to stay on track. - Find Your Support Crew
Share goals with a friend or join a program like WeightWatchers, like Ross. Accountability turns effort into results.
Why Ross Mathews’ Weight Loss Inspires
Ross Mathews’ weight loss captivates because it’s real and heartfelt. He’s not a fitness guru—he’s a food lover who found balance after loss. Fans relate to his humor, like joking about mac and cheese cravings on The Drew Barrymore Show, and his vulnerability, like sharing grief-driven binges. His Instagram, packed with Rossipes and sweaty walks, feels like a friend’s update, not a celebrity flex.
Ross also redefines health. As an openly gay TV star, he faced stereotypes yet prioritized wellness for himself, not approval. His advocacy for self-love, seen in Man Up! and RuPaul’s Drag Race, adds depth, making Ross Mathews’ weight loss a story of inner and outer strength. Whether hosting or cooking, Ross’s joy inspires fans to take charge.
Final Thoughts
Ross Mathews’ weight loss is a testament to choice, consistency, and courage. Losing 80 pounds through Rossipes, walking, and therapy, he turned grief into growth. His journey isn’t flawless—setbacks happen—but it’s authentic. “You win by staying in the fight,” Ross says, and his fans cheer him on.
Inspired by Ross Mathews’ weight loss? Start small—try a healthy recipe, walk around the block, or jot down a goal. With Ross’s playbook, you’re ready to reclaim your health, one step at a time. Here’s to living vibrantly, just like Ross!
