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.
Niki Jackson’s weight journey
Growing up with her single mother in Los Angeles, Niki Jackson ate nutritious meals and was fit and active — she loved dance and gymnastics. As an adult, she ran half marathons. “I was curvy, but I liked my body — I’ve always been confident.”
But in recent years, Niki, now 51, had gained weight and was living with several chronic health conditions, including asthma, arthritis, and digestive issues. At 5’ tall and 193 pounds, she wanted to lose weight.
Working as a hairdresser and in a bar a few nights a week, she didn’t have enough energy for her busy lifestyle. “I’d get out of breath climbing the stairs and I’d have to stop to rest halfway.”
Why Niki started a GLP-1
Niki became increasingly concerned about her health, and learned she was borderline diabetic.
Two years ago, Niki’s doctor recommended a GLP-1. “By then I was frustrated that I wasn’t making any headway with getting my weight under control. I just couldn’t do it. So I decided to give the GLP-1 a try.”
Early experiences on a GLP-1
From the start, Niki found her appetite diminished. “I noticed that when I was eating there was a stopping point, and I couldn’t have another bite even if I wanted to.”
There were some unpleasant side effects. “I was nauseous for six weeks straight.” She also experienced sulfur burps and diarrhea. To deal with symptoms, Niki began keeping a food journal to monitor which foods didn’t work well on the GLP-1 so she’d know what to avoid. She discovered that fried food unsettled her stomach. Alcohol had a similar effect, and she avoided it. Staying hydrated also helped, along with adding electrolytes to her water and moving her injection site to her thigh instead of her stomach.
Niki focused on healthy meals. “I’d have simple food like fish or chicken with rice or potatoes, and veggies like zucchini, asparagus and carrots.”
As the weeks went by, Niki lost weight and was delighted with the results. “I could bend over and reach my toes to give myself a pedicure, and my clothes were getting too loose. I felt awesome!”
How life feels today
Niki has lost 40 pounds over the past two years. “I look as good as I feel,” she says. Her health has improved: she’s no longer pre-diabetic, and while she still has asthma, she can breathe easier. “I don’t get out of breath anymore, and I jog up the stairs at work now.”
She has less knee pain and more stamina. “My friend and I walk her dogs on Fridays, and I can keep up better and go for longer walks.” She’s also enjoying going out dancing with friends.
As Niki adjusted her lifestyle, she continued to focus on eating well. “I don’t have fatty meat or too many hotdogs, and I can’t eat a chile relleno anymore.” At the bar where she works, she steers clear of deep-fried food and instead opts for grilled chicken or a Caesar salad wrap. “There are definitely times when I’ll grab a bag of Cheetos, but not often. I actually crave fish and chicken, and I can feel the protein nourishing my body.”
Niki was always confident, but she’s happier with her appearance now. “I like photos of myself better, and I’ve started wearing more fitted outfits. I’ll wear a super-tight dress with a belt.” Another bonus: compliments from friends and clients. “At the bar everyone says, ‘girl, you look so good!’”
“Going on a GLP-1 was 100 percent worth it,” says Niki. “I feel great.”
What Niki wants others to know
“It’s helpful to avoid anyone who might have negative views of your GLP-1 journey,” says Niki. “It’s okay to reinforce your boundaries and make sure you spend time with supportive people.” If you plateau and start to worry, don’t give up, she advises. “I found my weight loss fluctuated. I lost a few pounds, then plateaued, and then I started losing again steadily.”
Another recommendation: if eating enough protein feels difficult at the start of your journey — when your appetite is lower — try high-quality protein shakes. “They were key for me to make sure I was getting good nutrition.”
Niki also recommends sharing your journey with others you trust. She’s found it helpful to exchange tips and experiences with friends who are also on GLP-1s. Her boyfriend, Ivan, is supportive too. “He’s very health-conscious, and we both make good choices together about eating.”