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
When Dustin Cabal Gee was looking through vacation photos with his husband Alex, he was shocked. Being stuck at home during the pandemic had taken a toll. “We were working remotely, and we weren’t making healthy food choices.”
“I’ve always considered myself an active person, hiking, and working out, but I’d stopped exercising. Now even walking upstairs was hard.” It was also hard running around after the couple’s children: 6-year-old Cristian, and Emanuel and Jackson, both 7. The weight gain took a toll emotionally, too. “I didn’t feel confident in myself. I didn’t feel good in my clothes.”
Why I started a GLP-1
A routine checkup confirmed what Dustin suspected. “I was on the verge of becoming pre-diabetic, and my triglycerides were super high.” At 5 foot 9, he weighed 230 pounds, the heaviest he’d ever been. With a family history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity, it was a wake-up call. “I said to myself: ‘I’m not comfortable in the body I call home. It’s time to jump-start my lifestyle.’” His doctor suggested a GLP-1 medication, along with lifestyle changes.
Early experiences on a GLP-1
Dustin began giving himself weekly injections in his thigh. He found it easy, though there were some side effects. “I had headaches, stomach cramps, and diarrhea, but usually just minor discomfort. I learned to manage my symptoms by drinking more water, eating more greens, or taking over-the-counter medications.”
From the start, the GLP-1 suppressed his appetite. “I didn’t feel as hungry. I got fuller faster and stayed full longer. If we went out to dinner, I’d rarely finish my meals.” Each week, he lost a couple of pounds and felt more energized.
Supported by Alex, Dustin learned about good nutrition. “I grew up in the country on a farm where we had hearty family meals — but a lot of heavy red meat, potatoes, and dairy. I wanted a different experience for our kids,” he says.
Over the course of a year. Dustin reached his goal weight, 183 pounds. A medical checkup and blood tests showed significant improvement. “My doctor said, ‘Wow, you’re doing great.’”
How life feels today
Cooking has become a family affair, and Dustin is thrilled to see his sons building healthy habits. “For breakfast, it used to be pancakes, waffles, bacon, and fried eggs. Now the kids’ favorite is avocado toast — we elevate it with whole wheat bread, avocado, tomato, onion, and a sliced hard-boiled egg. We all love avocados, and for Christmas, the boys even bought me an avocado slicer.”
Dinner includes protein — usually chicken or fish instead of red meat. “We always have a green salad with a little olive oil and fresh lemon juice, and brown rice instead of white. Instead of ordering pizza, the kids enjoy making their own with lots of veggies, mozzarella, and marinara sauce. I’m not saying we never have burgers or fries,” Dustin adds, “but they’re not staples in our house anymore.”
“Losing weight was an incredible motivation to get moving,” says Dustin. He started running outdoors and on the treadmill, and prioritizes weight training three days a week. His family joined the local YMCA, and when he’s in the office, Dustin, a global talent acquisition executive, works out in Takeda’s on-site gym.
“On weekends, I go for brisk walks and bike rides with the family,” he said. “Everyone’s moving.”
Dustin is happy with his appearance now. “I enjoy shopping for clothes and feel comfortable in jeans and shorts.”
His outlook on life has changed too. “I have a positive mindset,” says Dustin. “I’m showing up as the best version of myself for my family. There are so many wins. In the past, when I got stressed or had a tough day, I would turn to food and overindulge. When I wasn’t thinking about food as much, I became aware how overeating had been a coping mechanism.”
He’s also learned to rechannel his emotions. “I’ve found I have much more patience with the kids. I’m less irritated and less frustrated.”
For years, Dustin and his father went on active adventures — hiking in Iceland, climbing 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado. “It was a great father-son tradition, but when I gained weight, I couldn’t do it anymore. Now we can prioritize those experiences again.” Their next trip? South America.
“I’m looking forward to playing sports with the boys and helping them develop healthy habits,” he says. “The best thing: when my kids say, ‘Daddy chase me,’ I can run after them.”
What I want others to know
Dustin said pairing the medication with lifestyle changes helped him succeed. “There are great programs that complement GLP-1s and help you build lifelong habits.”
Dustin recommends incorporating mindfulness into daily life and connecting with nature. A mindset shift is key. “Give yourself space and time to think about what small changes — Microsteps — you can make. People think they have to give up pizza forever or do two-hour workouts every day. That’s a myth. Find small, incremental ways to support your weight loss.”