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.
Emma’s weight journey
For most of her life, Emma Wallwork has struggled with her weight. As a child, she didn’t play sports, and was bullied at school. “We had sit-down meals, but I only wanted mashed potatoes and noodles — and we’d eat a lot of cake,” said Emma, who was raised on a farm.
As an adult, a cycle of yo-yo dieting became the norm as she dieted, lost weight, and then gained it back. Once Emma started a family, she gained weight and self-care took a back seat.
Why she started a GLP-1
“Every time I looked in the mirror I’d cry. I was really down in the dumps and found myself in a vicious cycle.”
Determined to feel better — and be a positive role model for her daughters and stepdaughters, Emma, now 39, decided to sign up for a medical weight-loss program with a telehealth company, Juniper.
Early experiences on a GLP-1
At first, she was nervous about injecting herself. “I was scared and thought, oh my God, what if I muck it up?”
But she quickly got used to it, and right away, her appetite diminished. “I didn’t feel like eating a big plate of pasta with a rich, creamy sauce anymore.”
Like many people taking GLP-1s, Emma says the “food noise” went away. “I’d never even heard of the term before. Now I understand. I used to wake up thinking, ‘What am I going to have for dinner tonight?’ On the medication, I wasn’t thinking about food constantly.”
She began making healthier choices. “For breakfast, I have a smoothie with protein powder. For lunch, I might have avocado on toast and add some veggies.” She also packs healthy snacks for work.
Family meals changed too. “We’ll have rotisserie chicken with cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, and pasta with basil pesto using herbs from the garden, or chicken and rice with roasted vegetables. But I only want small portions now.” She still enjoys an occasional piece of cake or a piece of chocolate. “The difference is, when you’re on a GLP-1, there’s no temptation to overeat.”
How life feels today
Over the past two years she’s lost 45 pounds and is “thrilled” with the results. Losing weight gave her more energy — and the courage to try new hobbies, including pole dancing, which she’d always wanted to do. She’s walking more often instead of driving.
She’s also learning to be kinder to herself. “My dance teacher always says, ‘Be careful what you say — because you’re always listening.’ So I’m much more positive about myself.”
Her weight loss has had a positive impact on her relationship. “My partner, Aviad, always thought I was beautiful no matter what — but now he’s constantly telling me how much more confident I seem,” says Emma. “And it’s true. I want to go out more. I’ll invite people over to the house.”
Emma’s self-esteem has grown too. “Recently, I was cast as an extra in a movie. I would never have had the confidence to apply for something like that before.”
With her new confidence, Emma is reaching her other goals, including becoming a professional counselor.
What Emma wants others to know
Emma emphasizes patience: “There’ll be times when you plateau. I was stuck for a month and thought, ‘It’s over.’ Then I started losing again. Remember, it’s not going to happen overnight.”
She also credits the power of connection and support. “I find it important to surround myself with people who want to see me succeed.” She still checks in with her health coach, helps run a GLP-1 Facebook group and sees a therapist.
“Talking about my struggles really helps me stay on track. It’s great for my mental health. I’ve learned that weight loss is a journey — not a single moment. It’s a lifestyle. A big part of that is learning to look after myself. Sometimes that means putting myself first, which is hard — but I’m learning.”
Emma and her partner, Aviad