One South African has gone from never running to preparing for Two Oceans. Another has lost 20 kilograms and brought his blood sugar levels under control. Their stories show why the GLP-1 conversation is about so much more than weight loss.
South Africa (18 October 2026) – Losing 20 kilograms is a big deal. Running your first race after a lifetime of never running is pretty incredible too. But for two South Africans who have been using GLP-1 medication, the biggest changes have gone far beyond the numbers on a scale.
Natasha Huckfield and Andrew Ross are friends of Good Things Guy, and their personal health journeys are worth sharing. While their reasons for starting GLP-1 medication were very different, the results have changed their lives in ways they never expected. From improved health and renewed confidence to discovering a love for exercise, their experiences go far beyond weight loss. And if there’s one thing they’ve learnt along the way, it’s that medication can help, but lasting change comes from the healthier habits you build around it.
Their experiences come at an interesting time, as Discovery Vitality announces an expansion of its HealthyWeight programme to help more South Africans manage their weight with professional medical guidance, nutrition support and healthier lifestyle habits.
Helping More South Africans Find Their Healthier
The conversation around GLP-1 medication has grown enormously over the past few years. From Hollywood celebrities to social media success stories, weight-loss injections have become a major talking point. But behind the headlines is a much bigger conversation about health, and how people can make changes that actually last.
According to Discovery’s newly released Beyond Medication white paper, approximately one in two South African adults is overweight or obese. Its analysis also found that 70% of people living with obesity remained obese 15 years later, highlighting how difficult long-term weight management can be. Modern GLP-1 medicines have introduced new treatment possibilities, with clinical studies showing average weight loss of approximately 12% to 18%. But maintaining those results can be challenging, particularly when treatment is discontinued.
That’s why Discovery Vitality has expanded its HealthyWeight programme to include a doctor-led pathway that may incorporate anti-obesity medication where clinically appropriate. Rather than focusing exclusively on weight loss, the programme brings together independent medical assessments, dietitian-led nutrition coaching, physical activity guidance, personalised behaviour-change support and ongoing monitoring.
“These medicines have redefined what is possible for people living with obesity,” said Dr Mosima Mabunda, Chief Clinical Officer of Discovery Vitality.
“The question is no longer whether meaningful weight loss can be achieved, but how to help people sustain it. Obesity is a chronic disease that requires long-term management. While medication can be highly effective, the greatest and most lasting health benefits come when it is paired with evidence-based nutrition, physical activity and behavioural support.”
Early findings from Discovery’s HealthyWeight medicated pathway pilot are encouraging. Participants increased healthy food purchases by 46%, reduced unhealthy food purchases by 25% and improved their achievement of weekly physical activity goals by 34%. Eligible members may receive an initial dietitian consultation, pathology tests and a doctor’s consultation at no cost to the member, with the broader HealthyWeight programme available from R295 per month. Medication eligibility and funding are subject to clinical criteria and applicable scheme rules.
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1 Million Good Things Before Christmas! South Africa, Are You In?Discovery has also introduced WeightCare through its Corporate & Employee Benefits business, allowing qualifying Group Risk members participating in the medicated pathway to earn up to 10,000 Discovery Miles per month for achieving their Vitality Active Rewards goals.
For South Africans like Natasha and Andrew, who have already experienced how much healthier habits and appropriate medical treatment can change their lives, this kind of integrated support makes a lot of sense.
A Woman Who Never Ran Is Now Training for Two Oceans
For Natasha, affectionately known as Tash, the journey began in September 2024 when she started using GLP-1 medication under the guidance of her doctor. She had struggled with her weight before and knew what it felt like to lose kilograms, only to find that the underlying habits hadn’t changed.
“The last time I’d actually lost weight was during COVID, when I was going to gym. I think I lost about 14 kilograms, but I was dying! I absolutely hated gym,” she told Good Things Guy.
“And the problem was that I hadn’t learnt anything about eating. I’m an emotional eater and that’s something I’ve struggled with.”
This time, however, things began to change. As the weight came off, Tash started embracing a healthier lifestyle. She took up padel in October 2025 and, as her fitness improved, found herself looking for new challenges.
By March 2026, she was so much fitter that her regular padel sessions were no longer earning her the same Discovery Vitality points. She needed to push herself a little harder.
“So I needed to find something else! There was never a plan to become a runner. Running wasn’t even something I’d considered. I just thought, ‘What else can I do that’s going to make me feel like I’m half dying?'”
She got onto a treadmill, and on the 5th of March 2026, Tash ran for the first time in her life. Seven months later, she’s completing parkruns, taking on running challenges and preparing for her first 10-kilometre race. She’s also entered the Two Oceans Marathon event next April, something she would never have imagined doing before.
“I genuinely feel like I can do anything now,” she said.
She’s really excited about the upcoming Pink Run in Rosebank, in collaboration with I Love Boobies, and has already exceeded the 60-kilometre target in the organisation’s Imagine Challenge.
For Tash, the greatest achievement isn’t just the weight she’s lost. It’s everything she’s gained along the way.
“It’s not just about losing weight. It’s about changing the way I live.”
Andrew’s Journey Started With His Blood Sugar
Andrew’s story began for an entirely different reason. For three years, his doctor had been struggling to bring his blood sugar levels under control using conventional prescribed medication. Eventually, they decided to try a different approach.
“My doctor was adamant that the medication was safe and that, given my clinical diagnosis, it could make a significant difference to my life. I trusted my doctor, so I had no reservations at all.”
Within six months of starting GLP-1 treatment, Andrew began noticing improvements. He was losing weight, but more importantly, his blood tests showed a significant reduction in his blood sugar levels.
“For three years, the conventional medication hadn’t been making a meaningful difference. My blood sugar levels weren’t coming down, and nothing was materially changing in my body.”
Today, Andrew says his blood sugar readings are back within the normal range. He’s also lost 20 kilograms, moved from a BMI classified as obese into the normal range and experienced a remarkable improvement in his energy and fitness. He even decided to run a 5-kilometre road race on a whim, without any training.
“I actually went out and ran a five-kilometre road race spontaneously, with absolutely no training, and managed it without any problems!”
But there’s another change that matters just as much to him.
“I think my psychological wellbeing has improved too. I feel so much better about myself, and that’s made a huge difference to my life.”
Andrew is also passionate about encouraging people to approach GLP-1 treatment responsibly. He believes medical guidance and a willingness to change your habits are essential.
“It’s not a miracle cure, and it’s certainly not a magic weight-loss drug. I’ve made significant changes to my eating habits. I eat much smaller portions now, and I’ve had to change the way I approach food.”
For Andrew, who has funded his treatment himself, this additional support is welcome news.
“I’m really pleased that Discovery Vitality is introducing this kind of support. I just wish it had been available three years ago when I started, because I had to pay for everything myself… but now that’s changed!”
It’s About So Much More Than the Weight
The most encouraging part of both stories is how much their lives have changed beyond their physical appearance. Tash has discovered a love for running and is preparing for challenges she once wouldn’t have considered possible. Andrew has seen meaningful improvements in his blood sugar, energy and confidence, and is enjoying a healthier, more active life.
Neither believes medication should be treated as a shortcut, and both encourage South Africans to seek proper medical advice rather than sourcing treatment through unregulated channels.
“Don’t take shortcuts, and don’t skimp on doing your own research,” Andrew said.
“Stay with the clinical route. Listen to your doctor, follow the medical guidance and make sure you’re doing things properly.”
Tash agrees that the biggest changes happen when medication is accompanied by a commitment to healthier habits.
“Don’t just think the medication is going to do all the work for you, because it’s not.”
And that’s exactly what Discovery Vitality is hoping to achieve with its expanded HealthyWeight programme. By bringing together medical expertise, nutritional guidance, physical activity and ongoing support, the aim is to help more South Africans make meaningful changes to their health, and importantly, maintain them.
As Tash and Andrew have shown, this journey is about so much more than losing weight. It’s about feeling healthier, finding confidence, discovering what your body is capable of and getting back to enjoying life. And if more South Africans can experience even a little of what these two have gained, well, that’s a whole lot of good things worth celebrating.
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