The Social Media Journey of Janelle Rohner

Janelle Rohner has established herself as a prominent figure in the health and wellness social media space, amassing an impressive following across multiple platforms. With 5.2 million followers on TikTok, 702K followers on Instagram, and 69.3K subscribers on YouTube, Rohner has built a substantial online presence focused on nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle content.^[6]^[5]^[1] Born on December 22, 1987, the 37-year-old content creator launched her TikTok account in March 2020, quickly gaining popularity for her accessible approach to healthy eating and weight management.^[3]

Content Evolution and Business Model

Rohner initially rose to prominence by sharing keto and low-carb recipes on her platforms, establishing herself as a go-to source for those following a ketogenic lifestyle.^[3] Her content typically features meal preparations, macro-friendly recipes, and weight loss tips presented in an approachable, relatable manner. As a certified macro coach, she built her brand around the concept that weight loss can be achieved while still enjoying food, often using the tagline "it's not a diet, it's a lifestyle."^[8] In November 2021, Rohner announced a shift away from keto content, citing that the diet and associated community pressures had become "toxic" for her mental health.^[10] Following this pivot, she rebranded her content to focus more broadly on macro tracking and balanced nutrition approaches. A significant part of Rohner's business model includes selling a macros course priced at $200, which she advertises on her website as "a one-time purchase" that "will literally change your life and the way you view food."^[4] According to social analytics platforms, Rohner's estimated earnings range from $65 to $779 per Instagram post, with her TikTok revenue potentially reaching $10,000 to $25,000 based on her follower count.^[14] These revenue streams, combined with her course sales and YouTube earnings, contribute to an estimated net worth between $1 million and $5 million as reported in 2023.^[14]

Recent Controversy

GLP-1 Revelation

In late April 2025, Rohner found herself at the center of controversy after revealing that she had been using GLP-1 medications (the same class of drugs as Ozempic and Wegovy) for weight loss while simultaneously selling her macro-counting program.^[7] The revelation came in a YouTube video titled "Let's talk: Therapy, GLP1 & The Truth About My recent Weight Loss," posted on April 23, 2025, where she disclosed that she had been working with a doctor and using the medication as "a tool to help" in her weight loss journey.^[7]^[9] In the video, Rohner explained: "Over the last year, I have decided to make some new choices in my health. I started working with a doctor, and we did decide to add a GLP-1 to my plan." She went on to clarify that she had lost "the stubborn 10 to 15 pounds" with the medication's help and later switched to "microdosing for maintenance."^[2] Rohner emphasized that "GLP-1s are not magic" and stated that she "still had to show up: show up for my meals, track my macros, drink my water, go on walks, do my workouts."^[4]

Public Backlash

The revelation sparked significant backlash from followers who felt misled by Rohner's previous content, which had not disclosed her use of weight loss medication while she was actively selling a $200 course focused on macro counting for weight loss.^[9] Critics on social media platforms labeled her a "complete fraud," with some calling for refunds and others suggesting potential legal action.^[12] One YouTube comment highlighted the core of the controversy: "When your business revolves around weight loss and you charge people $200 for a course, transparency is part of your obligation. Using a GLP-1 while presenting yourself as a weight loss coach or influencer without disclosure crosses a line."^[2] Another commenter noted, "The issue isn't about using GLP-1 or seeking help from a doctor for your mental health... The real problem is charging people for a weight loss program while hiding the true reason behind your own weight loss."^[9]

Response to Criticism

Following the initial backlash, Rohner posted a follow-up video on April 24, 2025, addressing the criticism. In this video, she stated: "I'm not asking for sympathy, I'm just trying to do the right thing, and I'm trying to be honest. Now I could have kept this a secret, I could have gone on and on for years and not told, and I don't want to do that."^[11] Rohner further clarified her position, saying, "I did not take a GLP-1 because I don't believe in my classes and macros wasn't working. I did it for other personal and health reasons to use as a tool to hit my goals. And if people felt deceived by that, I really truly am sorry."^[11] She also announced that she would offer refunds to anyone who had purchased her course within the past 11 months.^[9]^[15]

Personal Life and Mental Health Journey

Beyond her professional persona, Rohner has shared aspects of her personal life with her audience. She identifies as a wife and mother of two daughters who occasionally appear in her content.^[3] In recent videos, Rohner has also opened up about her mental health challenges, revealing that she has been seeing a therapist regularly and taking medication for anxiety, depression, and ADHD symptoms.^[7] In her April 2025 disclosure video, Rohner connected her mental health journey to her evolving approach to physical health, suggesting that both aspects had influenced her decision to incorporate GLP-1 medication into her wellness routine.^[2] She expressed that the scrutiny that comes with being an influencer had affected her mental wellbeing, noting: "I never imagined my life would be under a microscope and that I would have comments and questions and judgments about everything that I was doing."^[7]

Platform Presence and Media Coverage

Rohner maintains an active presence across multiple social media platforms. Her content consistently receives high engagement, particularly on TikTok where her videos have amassed 272.7 million likes.^[6] According to Social Blade, her YouTube channel generates an estimated $4,500 to $72,200 annually.^[14] The recent controversy has attracted coverage from various media outlets, including People magazine and Inside Edition, which have reported on both the revelation and the ensuing backlash.^[9]^[15] This increased media attention has placed Rohner at the center of broader discussions about transparency in the influencer industry, particularly regarding weight loss content and the responsibilities content creators have toward their audiences.^[13]

Janelle Rohner

Janelle Rohner

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