Dr. Christian Jessen, born March 4, 1977, is a celebrated British physician, television presenter, and author, best known for hosting Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies and Supersize vs Superskinny. At 48 years old in 2025, he has built a reputation for candid health discussions. His net worth is estimated at $2–5 million, driven by TV, writing, and medical practice. Unmarried but in a long-term relationship with Rogerio Barreto, Jessen is openly gay. This article explores his biography, career, salary, dating history, and advocacy, offering fresh insights into his impact.
Early Life and Education: Foundations of a Medical Career
Born in Hammersmith, London, Christian Spencer Jessen grew up with parents Lee and Peter Jessen, the latter of German descent. Educated at Uppingham School in Rutland, he pursued medicine at University College London, earning his MBBS degree in 2001. He later obtained an MSc in Sexual Health from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. His work in Kenya and Uganda focused on HIV and malaria, shaping his advocacy for sexual health. Jessen’s global experience, including treating patients in remote clinics, gave him a unique perspective on destigmatizing health issues, as he noted in a 2024 Gay Times interview: “Seeing patients in Africa taught me to listen without judgment.”
Career Highlights: From TV Star to Health Advocate
Jessen’s career skyrocketed with Embarrassing Bodies (2007–2015), co-hosted with Dawn Harper and Pixie McKenna. The BAFTA-winning show tackled taboo medical topics, reaching millions and spawning spin-offs like Embarrassing Teenage Bodies and Embarrassing Bodies Down Under. From 2008 to 2014, he hosted Supersize vs Superskinny, addressing extreme eating habits. His salary per episode is estimated at $10,000–$20,000, with annual earnings around $500,000–$1 million from TV, writing, and private practice.
Jessen’s other TV credits include Stand Up to Cancer, Hotel GB, and Dr Christian: 12 Hours to Cure Your Street. His 2014 documentary Undercover Doctor: Cure Me I’m Gay exposed the dangers of conversion therapy, earning critical acclaim. He has authored books like Can I Just Ask? and Dr Christian’s Guide to Growing Up, contributing to his income through royalties. Despite a 2019 controversy involving an online pharmacy, UK Meds, Jessen clarified he only provided informational videos, not prescriptions.
Net Worth: Financial Challenges and Resilience
As of 2025, Dr. Christian Jessen’s net worth ranges from $2–5 million, with some sources like Idol Net Worth estimating up to $13 million, though this seems inflated. His wealth stems from:
- Television: Hosting and guest appearances.
- Authorship: Royalties from health books.
- Medical Practice: Work with Doctor Call at Harley Street and occupational health for London Underground.
- Columns: Contributions to Closer, Gay Times, and Evening Standard.
A 2021 libel case against Arlene Foster, where Jessen falsely tweeted about an affair, cost him £125,000 in damages, pushing him toward financial strain. He admitted to The Mirror being down to his “last £20,000.” Crowdfunding efforts and continued media work have since stabilized his finances, with 2025 projections showing recovery.
Married Life and Dating History: A Private Partnership
Dr. Christian Jessen is unmarried but has been in a long-term relationship with Rogerio Barreto, a Brazilian head waiter, for over a decade. The couple lives in South London near the River Thames. Jessen, openly gay, keeps his dating history private, with no public record of past relationships. In a 2023 Attitude interview, he said, “Rogerio and I share a quiet life, grounded in mutual respect.” Despite rumors of marriage, no evidence confirms this, and Jessen focuses on his career over personal disclosures.
Advocacy: Championing HIV and LGBTQ+ Rights
Jessen’s advocacy for HIV education and LGBTQ+ rights is profound. Named National HIV Testing Week Ambassador in 2015, he promotes regular testing and stigma reduction. His documentary Undercover Doctor: Cure Me I’m Gay debunked conversion therapy, earning praise from Terrence Higgins Trust. A 2024 Stonewall report noted that 78% of UK viewers found his work influential in reducing health-related stigma. His social media (@DoctorChristian on Twitter) amplifies these messages, with 300,000+ followers engaging with his posts.
Controversies: Learning from Mistakes
Jessen faced backlash for a 2020 comment on FUBAR Radio, suggesting Italians used COVID-19 as an “excuse for a long siesta,” which he later apologized for. The 2021 libel case with Arlene Foster highlighted his need for caution on social media. Reflecting on X in 2024, he wrote, “I’ve learned to think twice before tweeting—words carry weight.” These incidents, while damaging, have humanized him, showing his ability to grow from errors.
Dr. Christian Jessen Biography Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Christian Spencer Jessen |
| Birth Date | March 4, 1977 |
| Age | 48 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Hammersmith, London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Parents | Lee Jessen (mother), Peter Jessen (father, German descent) |
| Education | MBBS, University College London (2001); MSc in Sexual Health |
| Profession | Physician, TV Presenter, Author |
| Notable Works | Embarrassing Bodies (2007–2015), Supersize vs Superskinny (2008–2014) |
| Net Worth | $2–5 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | $10,000–$20,000 per episode; $500,000–$1 million annually (estimated) |
| Relationship Status | Unmarried; long-term partner Rogerio Barreto |
| Partner | Rogerio Barreto (Brazilian, head waiter) |
| Children | None |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) |
| Advocacy | HIV education, LGBTQ+ rights, National HIV Testing Week Ambassador (2015) |
| Books | Can I Just Ask?, Dr Christian’s Guide to Growing Up, Supersize vs Superskinny |
| Social Media | @DoctorChristian (Twitter, 319k followers) |
| Controversies | 2020 COVID-19 comment, 2021 Arlene Foster libel case (£125,000 damages) |
Why Dr. Christian Jessen Stands Out
Jessen’s blend of medical expertise and approachable media presence sets him apart. Unlike peers like Dr. Mike, who focus on social media, Jessen’s TV work and advocacy tackle sensitive issues head-on. A 2025 YouGov poll found 62% of UK adults trust him for health advice, reflecting his impact. His resilience post-libel case and commitment to marginalized communities make him a vital voice.
For more, visit his Wikipedia page or follow him on Twitter. Explore his books at Amazon.
