### Swansea Drag Performer Surprised by Concerned Takeaway After Losing 14 Stone with Weight Loss Injection
A Swansea-based entertainer has been startled by an unexpected phone call from his regular Chinese takeaway, who rang to check on his wellbeing after noticing he had seemingly vanished from their order list. Jordan Bateman, a 31-year-old performer and holiday park entertainment manager, has undergone a profound transformation over the past year, shedding an incredible 14 stone with the assistance of a weight-loss injection called Mounjaro.
Last summer, Bateman’s health reached a worrying point while performing in drag as Ruby Slippers – he found himself so breathless on stage that he could barely finish his song. At the time, he weighed 28 stone and stood at 5ft 9in, which prompted a visit to his GP. Shocked by the scales, Bateman realised that years of late-night takeaways, service station meals, and a fast-paced showbiz lifestyle had taken a serious toll.
“My work as a performer meant I was always travelling and eating whatever was handy – Greggs, McDonald’s, and, of course, my favourite Chinese,” explained Bateman. “After every gig, it became routine to pick up food on the way home. The local Chinese knew my order by heart.”
But as the pounds continued to pile on, so did his health concerns. Struggling to catch his breath during a performance in July 2024 was the final straw. Bateman had tried various diets before, including a stint on Channel 4’s “How To Lose Weight Well,” but nothing had made a lasting difference. This time, he felt a more radical approach was needed.
Initially considering gastric surgery, Bateman opted instead for Mounjaro, a prescription drug now available through the NHS. The medication, also known as Tirzepatide, is administered as a weekly injection and works by helping patients feel fuller for longer, making it easier to reduce calorie intake. As Bateman describes, though, the jab is not a miraculous quick fix: “It’s a commitment. Both your mindset and habits have to change too.”
As he progressed with the treatment, Bateman noticed immediate changes. His previously frequent visits to the takeaway dwindled until, for the first time in a year, he hadn’t placed a single order. The absence alarmed the staff, prompting them to call his house and make sure he was alright. “It’s quite funny now, but at the time it was a bit embarrassing,” he recalls.
Since starting the medication, Bateman has invested over £3,000 in his health journey, all out of his own pocket until the NHS made Mounjaro available. Alongside the injections, he has adopted a nutrition plan and works with a personal trainer to maintain his new lifestyle, aiming for a final goal weight of 12 stone. He has swapped previous favourites like chocolate and crisps for fresh fruit and vegetables, and he now prepares meals in advance to avoid unhealthy temptations on the road.
The benefits extend far beyond physical appearance. Bateman reports having more energy on stage, especially when entertaining children on holiday parks. He finds that even kids draw him differently, no longer as a round figure but as a stick person – a small detail with large emotional impact. Crucially, he no longer needs expensive custom costumes for his drag persona and feels empowered to pursue relationships for the first time as an adult.
While Bateman’s journey represents a personal victory, he’s quick to note the ongoing challenges. “My mind hasn’t quite caught up to my body yet,” he admits, describing how small changes – like fitting comfortably behind the wheel of his car or not needing a seatbelt extender on flights – have become pleasant reminders of his progress.
He is now openly encouraging others considering weight-loss interventions to consult medical professionals and stresses that, while the medication has been life-changing for him, it requires a genuine lifestyle overhaul to be effective. “I’ve probably added 20 years to my life,” Bateman remarks. “I dread to think where I’d be if I hadn’t acted when I did.”
Bateman’s story is a testament to the growing impact of new weight-loss medications and underscores both the challenges and rewards of embarking on a transformative health journey. His experience also highlights the vital role of community support – even from a local Chinese takeaway.