Ginger Minj, beloved drag icon from RuPaul’s Drag Race and All Stars, has shared a riveting health journey to losing 160 pounds—a transformation deeply rooted in medical necessity, mindset shifts, and holistic wellness. This 2025 update reveals the real reasons, tools, and battles behind the figure-stealing glow-up.
A Wake-Up Call: From 310 lbs to a Life in Control
During the filming of All Stars 10, Ginger found herself at her career heaviest—around 310 pounds—and facing serious health threats. She was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea, stage 2 hypertension, and pre-diabetes, which left her “out of breath, sore, tired” during lip-sync performances and daily life . Far from a vanity project, her journey began as a life-saving mission.
The Launch Point: Medication Meets Movement
Initially considering weight-loss surgery, Ginger and her doctor opted to try Zepbound (tirzepatide), a GLP‑1 agonist. Although skeptical, she describes the impact as immediate: “more energy,” less fatigue, and no longer dependent on sleep apnea or hypertension medication within months .
Yet, Ginger does not call it a miracle cure. She emphasizes:
“You can’t just take the shot and expect things to happen.”
The progress came with a 1200-calorie daily diet, removal of added sugar, reduced carbs, and consistent exercise, even amid touring schedules .
Eating with Purpose: Practical Meals, No Fluff
Ginger’s nutrition strategy is straightforward yet effective:
- Focus on whole foods: lean proteins like chicken, fish, Greek yogurt, eggs, and colorful vegetables.
- No sugar, fewer carbs: corn, potatoes, pastries, and sweet drinks were removed.
- Meal prepping daily: avoiding late-night fast food (like McDonald’s). She relied on fitting meal boxes on the road to stay consistent .
This helped break the “food noise” loop—eating out of boredom or fatigue—and taught her the importance of structured nourishment. She often forced herself to eat at least 800 calories before night shows to prevent fainting .
Movement That Makes Sense: Dance, Walks, Strength
Rather than switching to intense gym sessions, Ginger built real-world fitness habits:
- Walking and dancing on tour days, especially during show prep.
- Gentle strength exercises and stretching routines to support stamina and muscle tone.
- Consistency over intensity: 30–45 minute sessions, 4–6 times a week, to ensure manageable daily routines.
Mental Health and Awareness: A Dual Focus
An unexpected breakthrough came through autism diagnosis during casting. This revelation brought clarity to Ginger’s long-standing struggles with motivation, emotional eating, and processing social stress .
She also stresses the impact of psychiatric medication on weight gain and the importance of mental health care in tandem with physical wellness.
Major Wins: Body, Mind, and Pride
Ginger’s results speak volumes:
- 160-pound weight loss—dropping from 310 to approximately 150 pounds.
- Medical reversals: no longer suffer from sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or pre-diabetes; off those medications.
- Boosted energy, mood, and stamina—visible in her live performance during the “Defying Gravity” lip-sync, which moved judges Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo to tears.
Stigma, Transparency, and Advocacy
Ginger challenges the negative narrative surrounding weight-loss medication. She openly shares:
“It’s the first thing in all my 40 years that’s worked for me, so I’ll shout it from the mountaintops.
She urges people to consult doctors instead of hiding such treatments—especially when stigma keeps help out of reach .
Sustainable Strategy: What Anyone Can Learn
Ginger’s journey is less about extremes and more about structure, with universal takeaways:
Key Principle | Action Step |
---|---|
Medical supervision | Consult your doctor—especially if using prescriptions |
Balanced nutrition | High-protein, low-sugar meals; meal prep to avoid reactive eating |
Habitual movement | Daily activity—walking, dancing, gentle strength for stamina and tone |
Mental wellness | Therapy, self-education, managing emotional eating and neurodivergence |
Tracking & adjustments | Monitor weight, health markers, emotional state; adjust calorie or methods |
A Community Icon: Wellness Meets Representation
Ginger remains a proud figure in the plus-size community, aiming to become the first fully plus-size winner on U.S. Drag Race . Losing 160 pounds hasn’t changed her identity—it’s enhanced her ability to live, thrive, and represent.
Despite quitting alcohol and working on quitting smoking, Ginger says weight loss has given her fresh energy to chase her dreams.
Final Thoughts
Ginger Minj’s weight-loss story is not superficial—it’s a story of survival, self-discovery, and empowerment. Combining Zepbound, calorie control, consistent movement, and mental health support, she redefined her life.
Her message is clear: Health trumps aesthetics; transparency breaks stigma; self-care bridges mind and body.
Anyone inspired by her glow-up can follow her steps:
- Prioritize medical evaluation.
- Build a whole-foods meal plan.
- Choose movement that fits your life.
- Invest in mental health and self-understanding.
- Speak openly about your tools and challenges.
In 2025, Ginger Minj stands tall—not just for pounds lost, but for a life reclaimed, a voice amplified, and a journey shared with integrity. If you’re looking to start your own path: take note of her transparency, consistency, and fearless reclamation of self.