A GLP-1 Drug Changed My Life: My Friends' Reactions Surprised Me
For ShantaQuilette Carter-Williams, starting a GLP-1 medication wasn't optional. As she tells Yahoo, her doctor issued an ultimatum in 2023: lose weight or face a high probability of death within five years. Having already survived a heart attack and stroke in her early 40s, and with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, Carter-Williams was prescribed Ozempic. Initially, she only expected it to regulate her insulin.
However, two years later and 160 pounds lighter, the medication has ushered in a new phase of life. Carter-Williams says, "I became more conscious of how I eat and how I respect my body, and of actually being an active participant in my rescue.” This transformation also led to a career shift; the former accountant is now a speaker, content creator, health advocate, and comedian. Under her doctor's supervision, Carter-Williams stopped taking Mounjaro in February 2025. While studies indicate that approximately two-thirds of GLP-1 users regain most lost weight within a year, Carter-Williams has successfully maintained her weight and improved health. She attributes this to new habits and a strong desire to avoid another stroke or heart attack. Yet, she acknowledges the possibility of needing medication again. “If I need to go back on the medication, I will,” she states, “I hope that I don't have to do that, but I'm not embarrassed to if it's necessary.”
Carter-Williams shares how GLP-1 treatment helped her revitalize her well-being and realize that "to truly love yourself is to take care of yourself inside and out.”
Daily Life Changes
Morning Routine
Waking up between 5 and 7 a.m., Carter-Williams feels good and chooses to prioritize herself. She notes that recovery from a full day isn't what it used to be due to perimenopause. However, she emphasizes the contrast to being 160 pounds heavier and struggling with health issues. She says she can't imagine dealing with perimenopause symptoms while in her previous condition.
Now a morning person, she doesn’t rush her mornings, allowing her nervous system to function naturally. Her day begins with affirmations and laughter to reduce stress hormones and boost dopamine. This is a stark contrast to her previous state of aches, fatigue, and general unwellness, which often kept her in bed until late morning. She recognized that her body was signaling its limitations.
First Meal
Before GLP-1s, her breakfast might consist of leftover fried chicken or whatever was available. Now, she starts with a protein drink or juice made by her daughter, who, along with her husband, provides significant support. Sometimes, she'll have a protein drink and lemon water at her office, followed by her husband bringing eggs and potatoes to ensure she eats properly.
Getting Ready
Carter-Williams emphasizes the importance of dressing well to feel good and practice self-love. Feeling good about herself is a requirement for her, not a luxury. Despite always having a positive self-image, she admits to struggling with depression after her stroke. Health tracking apps like Shotlee can help monitor mood and activity levels during such transitions.
Since starting a GLP-1, she feels a renewed sense of well-being. Having gone from a size 22 to a size 4, she initially struggled to adjust to her new size, holding onto old clothes. She then shifted her mindset, focusing on moving forward rather than backward. Now, she feels confident wearing what she desires.
Attending Fashion Week in February, she reflected on her past frustrations with designer clothes not being available in her size. While still advocating for inclusivity, she appreciates being able to purchase items directly from the runway.
Staying Active and Nourished
Physical Activity
She now enjoys Pilates, using a walking pad, and calisthenics. Due to her heart condition and age, her exercise options are more limited than before. Although she once loved lifting weights, her stroke and other health issues prevent her from doing so now.
Several times a week, she walks outside and uses a weighted hula hoop. She stresses the importance of at least three 45-minute exercise sessions per week, especially to combat osteoporosis. She views exercise as a necessity, not a luxury, for a better quality of life.
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Lunch Choices
Previously, her go-to lunches were fast food options like Popeyes or Williams Chicken. Now, she avoids excessively unhealthy foods and limits her sugar intake to 25 milligrams daily, while also monitoring sodium levels.
Currently, she focuses on incorporating more fruits and vegetables into her diet. She enjoys eating what she likes in healthier ways, such as sandwiches or salads for lunch. She particularly enjoys cucumber and pineapple with low-sodium Tajin, or a tomato and cucumber salad.
Medication Schedule
She discontinued Mounjaro in February 2025 because she was continuously losing weight, even on a lower maintenance dose. While on GLP-1s, she took her weekly shot inconsistently, sometimes in the morning, sometimes in the evening.
Social Life and Diet
Socializing
Having quit drinking before starting GLP-1s, she encouraged friends to consider GLP-1 treatment. Initially, many were skeptical, citing concerns about side effects. She found encouragement sharing her story online, which inspired others to take charge of their health. However, she sometimes felt misunderstood. While no one commented on her weight gain, many expressed concern about her weight loss. She argued that refusing GLP-1s would be like neglecting her heart condition or diabetes.
She also decided to pursue new experiences. In 2023, she attended a retreat in Costa Rica, where she went canyoning, white-water rafting, and ziplining—activities she previously lacked the strength or courage to do. She values these experiences and the ability to enjoy life and people. This journey gave her a sense of purpose. She realized that purpose is defined by whom you do it for. She wants to live for herself and her grandchildren, and she shares her story to inspire others to change their lives.
Dinner Routine
In her family, food signifies togetherness. Food has always brought her joy, but she reached a point where she couldn't control her eating habits or weight. GLP-1s have suppressed her appetite, allowing her to enjoy food in moderation.
Her family is now mindful of eating enjoyable foods in a healthier manner. For example, they use ground turkey instead of beef in spaghetti and ground chicken in stuffed bell peppers. Her daughter prepares healthy meals like hot honey lemon salmon with broccoli, zucchini, and cilantro lime brown rice, and makes smaller portions of fried and baked chicken for her.
Her daughter excels at meal prepping and making juices, while her husband also supports her, despite his sweet tooth. Everyone in her life participates in her journey. She recognizes how her choices affect her family, who want her to be healthy. They hold her accountable and are active participants in her well-being.
Financial Considerations
Before Ozempic, her doctor suggested Wegovy or Saxenda, which cost $1,600 per month. She felt she couldn't afford it. After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, she was able to obtain Ozempic and Mounjaro for $25 per month. She laments the fact that many who need these medications are hindered by financial constraints.
She acknowledges that fast food is cheaper than healthy options like salads from Whole Foods but emphasizes the importance of prioritizing and budgeting for health. She believes that small steps, like making a simple lettuce and tomato salad with lemon and olive oil dressing, can lead to significant improvements.