In this Thrive Global series, we hear directly from people sharing stories of transformation after using GLP-1 medications, a new class of drugs for diabetes and weight management.
My weight journey
Obesity runs in Sharon Baker’s family — both her parents were overweight, and she’s struggled with her weight since her teens. Over the years, while raising her own family with her husband, David, she tried countless diets and eating plans, but nothing worked long term.
Her weight fluctuated and later in life, going through menopause, Sharon, the former vice president of a health technology company gained more weight. “I thought about food constantly, and the mental fight not to eat was exhausting,” says Sharon, who’s now 69. “While I was eating, I’d actually be thinking about what to eat next. Nothing felt satisfying, and I felt awful.”
Sharon and David did their best to follow a low-carb diet, but maintaining a healthy weight was always a battle. “I’d lose weight and gain it back again — I couldn’t maintain the loss,” says Sharon, who has two daughters, Meghan and Taylor, and five grandchildren.
Why Sharon started a GLP-1
After moving from Canada to Australia’s Gold Coast to be close to her family, Sharon became increasingly concerned about her health following a hip replacement. “I couldn’t walk for a while, and walking is my main form of exercise. I couldn’t run around with my grandchildren, which was devastating to me. I wanted to be the healthiest grandma I could be,” she says.
She was prediabetic, and had sleep apnea. At 5-foot-2, she weighed 161 pounds.
Sharon said although she was happily married with a great career, she had always felt demoralized about her appearance. “I love fashion and shopping for clothes, but it was difficult because I didn’t fit in regular sizes, and it was no longer enjoyable.”
Sharon first heard about GLP-1s from her daughter, Taylor, and two of Taylor’s friends, who had all taken the medication themselves and lost weight. She did extensive research and decided to start her own GLP-1 journey two years ago, with a telehealth company, Juniper.
Early Experiences on a GLP-1
After her first injection, Sharon found that she was less hungry. “My appetite was suppressed, and for the very first time I had relief from the constant food noise I used to experience — thinking about what I was going to eat all the time.”
She still ate regularly, and enjoyed food, but no longer felt the need to overeat. “I was satisfied with smaller portions.” Another bonus: she found it easy to cut back on coffee and stopped drinking caffeine in the evenings.
Sharon experienced some early side effects — digestive issues including diarrhea and nausea — but they soon stopped. On her doctor’s advice, she increased her fiber intake and drank more water.
With David’s support, Sharon focused on nutrition and got creative with high-protein snacks. “I whip Greek yogurt and peanut butter into a kind of mousse and add a few raspberries or chocolate chips. It’s delicious.” Other snacks include fruit and cheese.
For dinner, Sharon and David usually have chicken or salmon with vegetables. “We have steak or roast beef once a week.” Most of the time she follows a low-carb diet, avoiding bread and potatoes, but still enjoys pasta once a week.
Losing weight motivated Sharon to take daily walks to the beach with her husband, and now she aims for 12,000 to 15,000 steps a day.. “I had more energy, and moving began to feel like a joyful gift instead of a chore.”
How life feels today
“I feel absolutely fabulous,” says Sharon, who’s lost 33 pounds and now weighs 128 pounds. She no longer suffers from pre-diabetes or sleep apnea.
She doesn’t see food as the “enemy,” anymore, and credits her GLP-1 journey with helping her break the cycle of dieting. “I enjoy food now without thinking about it all the time,” she says., “I was always terrified when I’d see the numbers on the scale start to creep up, but I felt powerless to stop it. Trusting that I can maintain my weight loss now is a huge relief.”
She’s stopped blaming herself for all the years of struggling with her weight. “I know that obesity is a chronic condition. It wasn’t that I lacked self control.”
She’s also enjoying fashion again. “I try on clothes and they fit, which is so satisfying. It feels mind-blowing! I love wearing high-waisted pants with a white shirt,” she smiles, “and I just bought a light blue dress with a fitted waist for a wedding, which I love.”
The best thing, Sharon says, is her new vitality. She’s able to get on the floor to play with her 6-month-old granddaughter or dance and run around with her 3-year-old grandson.
One unexpected benefit: with more energy, Sharon feels more creative. She’s taken up watercolor painting. “I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I could paint, and it’s become a passion.”
What I want others to know
“I want people to realize that being on a GLP-1 is not cheating. There’s no reason to feel ashamed. For many people, taking a GLP-1 is a great way to enhance the work they’re already doing to improve their wellbeing.”
Another recommendation: “Be kind and gentle with yourself. If there are days or weeks when you find you aren’t losing weight, ride out the plateaus, because they’re going to happen — and please don’t give up.”
“Try not to compare yourself to others. There may be people on social media who you think have lost more weight than you. Remember this is your unique journey, and you are doing a great job. Surround yourself with supportive, encouraging friends and family who want the best for you.”