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.
Brooke’s Story
My weight journey
Brooke Heflin, a licensed practical nurse in a Veterans Affairs clinic in Fredericksburg, VA, gained 50 pounds after the birth of her third child, Aveah, and couldn’t lose it. “My clothes didn’t fit and I felt uncomfortable in my body. When I looked in the mirror, I didn’t feel pretty anymore.”
Why I started a GLP-1
By spring 2024, Brooke was concerned about her health. “I was tired and depressed, and I found out I was prediabetic. Walking made my joints ache. My feet and knees would swell, and my back hurt too.” At her annual check-up, she had a discussion with her doctor: “I told her I had already tried diet and exercise.” With her doctor’s support she began taking a GLP-1 in May last year.
Early experiences on a GLP-1
At first, Brooke was nervous. “Even though I’m a nurse, I’m a little squeamish about needles — at least when it comes to myself!” She started on a low dose of the drug, and her appetite gradually decreased.
One side effect was acid reflux. Avoiding acidic foods like red tomato sauces, onions, and garlic helped, as well as eating smaller regular meals. Later she also experienced constipation, “but nothing serious.” Staying hydrated helped. She carried a 40 ounce water bottle around with her. “I wasn’t a water drinker before; I would mainly drink soda, which I cut out.”
As her dose increased, she lost her sweet tooth and more weight. “I used to need something sweet after every meal, like chocolate. But I’d pick up a cookie and realize I didn’t even want it. I got out of the habit of eating sugary food at all.”
As the weight came off, Brooke was thrilled that she could move more easily. “I could walk a mile without getting tired. I could bend down and not feel like I was going to tumble forward.” Her joint pain disappeared. “My knees stopped hurting.”
How life feels today
Brooke says she was never “a vegetable person,” but now she’s experimenting — adding asparagus, green beans, and Brussels sprouts to family meals.
Now she feels more energized at work, and takes walks on lunch breaks. “And when I get to my in-laws to pick up my kids, we go for another 30 minute walk around the neighborhood.”
She’s also more active with her children. “Before I was the one sitting down on the bench at the playground, watching the kids, but now I can join them. At home, she has more energy for her 2-year-old daughter. “I can actually get down on the floor with Aveah without struggling to get back up. When we’re playing horses, I can crawl around with her on my back, which she loves.”
Brooke, who’s 31, lost 55 pounds and feels great. “Trying to do it alone wasn’t working. Taking a GLP-1 was the boost and the kick in the butt I needed to start eating better and moving more.”
She’s thrilled that her enthusiasm and zest for life have returned. “I do things with the family now, and I’m okay having my picture taken.”
Her relationship with her partner improved too. “I don’t feel down on myself. Now, if we’re going on a date, for example, I’m comfortable putting on a form-fitting dress and wearing a pair of heels.”
On her wellbeing journey, she found that it was important to schedule time to connect with friends. “I organize an exciting outing once a month which helps to take my mind off any stress or worries,” says Brooke. “We love trying out new restaurants or going to hear music.”
What I want others to know
“Avoid people who are judgmental and may tell you that taking a GLP-1 is cheating. Some people think the medicine does all the work. It’s not true. The medication just helps with cravings — you’re still the one doing the work. It takes discipline.”
