John Fuda, husband of "Real Housewives of New Jersey" (RHONJ) star Rachel Fuda, has recently revealed his impressive body transformation, dropping 50 pounds over the past year. The 37-year-old businessman's journey has garnered attention, prompting him to share the details of his methods and motivations.
Recognizing the Need for Change
Fuda admits that he had let himself go, prioritizing his family's needs over his own well-being. "As a man, a lot of times, you forget yourself," he told PEOPLE. "You're providing for your family constantly, that you often put yourself last. You lose focus." He explained that the stress of building a house, managing work, and raising children contributed to unhealthy eating habits and a decline in his physical activity.
During COVID, John explains that he used to be an avid gym goer but fell out of the habit and, as a result, packed on the pounds. “We were building a house, and between that, work, and the kids, I felt a lot of stress as the provider,” he says. “And that stress, I was turning it into fat. We’d go out to eat, and the kids would order junk found, and I would just wind up eating it. Most fathers do, right? And before I knew it, I was a heavyset 230 pounds.”
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Weight Loss
Fuda's weight loss journey involved a combination of medical interventions and lifestyle changes. He initially underwent a liposuction procedure in December 2022, ahead of season 13. While this provided a jump start, bringing him down to around 195 pounds, he realized it was only a temporary fix. "It was thinner, yes - I went down to about 195 pounds - but it didn’t feel like anything else had changed," Fuda explained. "It was kind of a jump start, but just a Band-Aid. What I wanted to focus on was more of my holistic health.”
Seeking a more holistic approach, Fuda turned to a physician's assistant recommended by his RHONJ costar Margaret Josephs. He began a regimen of testosterone replacement therapy and the GLP1 agonist Semiglutide. According to John, a concoction of testosterone and the GLP1 agonist Semiglutide helped him optimize his metabolism and shed excess weight.
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He started taking the injections in July 2023 and he says he feels great. He says he has more energy, more mobile, more agile. And he’s been able to get back into a routine, which is probably the hardest thing to do. Eventually, the RHONJ hubby John saw results and dropped to 180 lbs.
The Role of Testosterone and Peptides
Fuda openly discusses his use of testosterone, challenging the stigma surrounding men seeking hormone replacement therapy. "I know it’s like, ‘Who wants to be a man and say that you’re on testosterone?’ but I have no problem saying it," he stated. He explained that a man’s testosterone level falls off at the age of 30. And even though he’s only 32, his receptors were not where they should have been. So replacing that - and adding the peptides, which give me all the hormones I need - it’s made such a huge difference.”
Lifestyle Changes and a Holistic Approach
Fuda emphasizes that medication alone was not the key to his success. He stresses the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle to complement the medical interventions. “Everybody’s body is different, but this has really worked for me,” John says. “And it’s not just the medicine, it’s what you do while you’re taking the medicine. I started eating clean carbs, like brown rice, and increased my salad, greens, and proteins. I’m working out more. I’m drinking less, because I found when you’re on the medicine, you don’t want to drink that much. So it changed a lot. But everything is firing on all cylinders.”
He incorporated clean carbs, such as brown rice, into his diet and increased his intake of salads, greens, and proteins. He also resumed regular workouts and reduced his alcohol consumption.
Improved Well-being and Marital Intimacy
Fuda's weight loss has had a positive impact on his overall well-being. “It’s almost like a miracle,” he adds. “I feel like I’m 22, 23 years old.” He reports feeling more energetic, mobile, and agile. His wife, Rachel, has also noted the positive effects on their relationship, stating, "I think his slim-down has definitely improved our sex life." She also raves that he’s got her going like the Energizer Bunny over here. The couple - who tied the knot in 2017 - share three children. John and Rachel always make sure to show affection to each other and Rachel says that their marriage is as strong as it’s ever been and that she thinks the show has really helped them and propelled them in a positive direction.
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Addressing the Stigma
Fuda hopes his openness will encourage other men to prioritize their health and seek help when needed. "Men don’t talk about this enough," the New Jersey businessman adds. "I’m not sure why there is a such a stigma about taking care of your body, but I’m happy to be the voice of many men who don’t say it, because it’s so important for you psychically and mentally."
Dolores Catania's Experience with GLP-1s
Dolores Catania, another RHONJ star, has also shared her experience with GLP-1 drugs. She revealed that she gained 15 pounds after stopping Mounjaro, a drug similar to Ozempic. She also shared how she’s doing after her recent heart procedure, and she recalled gaining 15 pounds after she stopped taking Mounjaro, a GLP-1 drug that’s similar to Ozempic. After the latest season, RHONJ was put on pause amid a cast divide. Speaking with E! “I had a condition called AFib where I was feeling my heart beat out of my chest,” said the star. “If you ever feel a flutter in your chest, you need to get that checked. That’s not something to ignore. “I gained probably 15 pounds in over a month,” she recalled. “Now that I’m back on, I’m healthy and I feel much better. “When you start the GLP-1s, one of the side effects is nausea,” she said. “My Advanced Herbals® from the makers of Dramamine®, the ginger chews, they get me through it. These amazing chews help you with the nausea. I actually wish I had them when I was pregnant 30 years ago because they would they would have been my best friend. They definitely helped me get over the hump. “It’s an immediate fix,” she said. “I had to relax for a couple of weeks. Don’t tell my doctor that I was on a plane a week later. Probably shouldn’t have done that, but I think it was the best thing I ever did. “Why would you care what someone you don’t even know has to say?” Dolores expressed. “Or if people aren’t going to be supportive on your journey with the GLP-1s? “I miss it! It’s like being a fish out of water,” she explained. “I was disappointed [by how it ended],” said the star. “I really, really wanted a resolution. We didn’t have that, and I think NBC’s hands were tied on what to do with us. “It’s been two years. It’s the second summer we’re not filming,” Dolores continued, noting that she speaks often with Teresa and Melissa. “I just missed a call from Margaret Josephs! “I don’t mind a shake-up, but a full cast overhaul, I don’t think it works. I’ve heard they are casting for RHONJ - but we hear that every year! It’s hard to cast for New Jersey because it’s such a tight-knit show. Even though we fight like h-, we really are friends,” she stated.
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