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
Jacquie Lavis has struggled with her weight since her teens. “My three sisters and I grew up poor,” says Jacquie, now chief financial officer of an IT company. “Food wasn’t always available, and when it was, you just ate everything on your plate — even if you weren’t hungry. Often we just ate cereal,”
As an adult and working parent, Jacquie says life was so busy that self-care wasn’t a priority. “Even though we had good meals, I’d still eat way too much junk food: chocolate, chips, cookies — you name it. I’d have a salty snack, then something sweet, and then want something salty again.”
Looking back, she says her relationship with food was shaped by her childhood experience. “Because there was never enough, it was ingrained in me at an early age that if there’s food in the cupboard — you need to eat it.”
She tried Weight Watchers, low-carb diets and even hypnotherapy, but still couldn’t keep the weight off.
Jacquie is passionate about hockey and plays for the Adelaide Hockey League, but says she had little energy for the game. “I stopped training as it all seemed too much effort. I didn’t actually let the team down on game days — but I really didn’t want to be there. My wellbeing went downhill. I was sitting at a desk in an office all day, and I stopped moving around.”
Why I started a GLP-1
The turning point came when Jacquie, now 51, went through a painful divorce. Her grown children, Jordan and Jett live at home with her. Jacquie was in a stressful job (she’s since changed jobs) and gained more weight. “At my heaviest I weighed 260 pounds. I suffered from anxiety and fell into a depression. I wasn’t coping, and I couldn’t sleep,” she says. Her confidence took a hit. “I lived in tracksuit pants because I refused to buy anything in a bigger size.”
Getting out on the hockey field with her friends became increasingly challenging. “I’ve always loved playing hockey, but I couldn’t even run anymore. It was more of a shuffle, which was devastating to me.”
Jacquie’s health was the biggest concern. “I was close to being pre-diabetic. I have high blood pressure, and my cholesterol was really high.” Though initially hesitant about taking medication for weight loss, she decided to move forward. She began her GLP-1 treatment with the telehealth company Juniper in March 2024.
Early experiences on a GLP-1
Right away, Jacquie experienced a change in her appetite and started to lose weight. “The food noise was gone instantly. I wasn’t thinking about what I wanted to eat all day. It was great and encouraged me to keep going.”
There were some side effects early on, but nothing serious, she says. “I’m a positive person and I just managed them.” She swapped soda for water and focused on staying hydrated. “Now, you won’t catch me without my water bottle.”
Jacquie says she intuitively wanted to eat more nutritious food and found it easy to control portions. She’d have a protein shake mid-morning, a small lunch — which might be a sandwich — and a protein-based dinner: “It might be chicken or fish with rice and heaps of fresh veggies and salad. Sometimes we’ll have pasta with mushrooms.”
She has support from her new partner, John, a vegetarian and “a great cook,” who encourages her on her journey. “I’ve actually started to eat tofu. We’ll have stir-fries, and we love scrambled eggs on toast with avocado.” Jacquie also eats dessert — in small quantities. “What’s amazing to me is that a block of chocolate will last me a month.”
She’s always loved moving and was motivated to work out regularly because she had more energy and confidence. John introduced her to yoga and they practiced together. “He even bought me a mat.” She walks the two family dogs and devotes more time to hockey. “My hockey got better and better. When we started our season, I found it ridiculous how much easier it was to play and run around on the field.”
How life feels today
In the past 18 months, Jacquie has lost 67 pounds. “My cholesterol’s gone back to normal. My sugar and blood pressure are fine, and I don’t get heart palpitations anymore.” She’s much happier with her appearance. “Just being able to wear jeans and a nice fitted top feels good.
She’s also feeling calmer and sleeping better. “My brain isn’t turning over every little thing from the day, so I can relax and I’m less stressed.”
Jacquie’s still taking a GLP-1 and hoping to lose more weight. “My ultimate goal would be to lose another 30 pounds.”
She stays centered by practicing a range of mindfulness techniques. “I have printed affirmations taped to my mirror that I look at every morning — like ‘be happy’ and ‘you’re wanted’ — because I never felt wanted in the past. I give myself a big smile in the morning, and I’m happy with the person I see in the mirror now. I feel grateful for my life. I would never have thought three years ago I’d be this happy again.”
Since losing weight, Jacquie’s been motivated to pursue her goals. “I used to represent South Australia in hockey when I was younger. Now I’m doing trials to see if I make it onto the over-50s team. I don’t know whether I’ll get in, but for the first time in many years — I feel confident enough to try.”
What I want others to know
She encourages people living with obesity who may be on the fence about taking a GLP-1 to “just give it a go.” For Jacquie, the treatment has been life-changing. “GLP-1s have been amazing for me, and I will shout it from the rooftops. It’s made me healthier and more confident — which has an impact on everyone around me because I’m happier. I wish I’d found it years earlier.”
For those embarking on a GLP-1 journey, she offers this advice: “Be kind to yourself. I’ve learned not to be so hard on myself. So if I don’t lose any weight in a week — or even if I put on a couple of pounds — that’s okay. It’s only one week out of the rest of your life, and you’ll lose it again.”
She encourages people on GLP-1 journeys to focus on lifestyle changes, like eating nutritious, high protein meals, and moving regularly, to lower stress and improve overall wellbeing.
Jacquie’s other recommendation: get a good support team. “I saw a counselor, which really helped. I have support from my kids, my sisters, my partner, and my friends who always encourage me.”
She also emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself people who will root for you. “Stay away from negative people if possible,” Jacquie adds. “I’ve heard a lot of people say it’s cheating. Those people don’t understand that it takes a lot of work.. Life’s too short to spend time with people who want to put you down. Make sure you have people around you who are in your corner.”