Heather Gay is opening up about her dramatic 30-pound weight loss — and why she now considers her experience with GLP-1 medication nothing short of a “miracle.”
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star spoke candidly with Women’s Health about her decision to try GLP-1s after years of skepticism surrounding diets, weight loss trends, and fitness fads.
“I looked at them with the same skepticism that I’ve looked at every diet and every weight loss trick and fad that’s come to me since I was a little girl,” Heather shared. “My parents encouraged me to get out and exercise more.”
Despite embracing her body over the years, Heather admitted she was still curious about GLP-1 medications — which are primarily used to regulate blood sugar but have also become popular for reducing appetite and cravings.
Heather decided to try the medication in 2023, and the results surprised even her.
“When I was able to keep the weight off and maintain it for a year — and still keep my same horrible personality — I was like, this is a miracle!” she joked.
According to Heather, she didn’t drastically overhaul her workouts or diet while initially losing the weight. However, once she shifted into maintenance mode, she realized she needed to be more intentional about how she fueled her body.
“With GLP-1s, I really need to be intentional about my nutrition,” she explained.
That’s when she partnered with Atkins, which focuses on low-carb, high-protein options that fit into her lifestyle.
Heather, who shares daughters Ashley, 21, Georgia, 19, and Annabelle, 16, with ex-husband Billy Gay, also said she’s slowly become more active — in a way that feels realistic and sustainable.
She revealed that she now does a weekly yoga class with her daughters and occasionally adds in an indoor cycling class.
Beyond the physical changes, Heather said the experience has completely shifted how she views herself and her relationship with weight.
“I wish that we didn’t make it all about your own willpower, your own determination, your own strength, because sometimes, it’s just about science,” she said. “Calories in, calories out never worked for me.”
Heather admitted that forgiving herself was a major turning point.
“Once I forgave myself and said, ‘It’s not my fault,’ it really made me feel better about who I was as a person,” she shared.
Earlier this month, Heather also defended her decision to use GLP-1s during an interview with USA Today, making it clear she’s done with body shaming — no matter what form it takes.
“I’ve never felt more comfortable in my body,” she said. “And I feel like I’m able to maintain my shape and accomplish important things while still being in control of my weight, which is the first time in my life I’ve ever had any power over it whatsoever.”
She also had a blunt message for critics.
“And if you’re going to shame me for being heavy, you’re going to shame me for using GLP-1s, I am done with shame in my life,” Heather said.
“I am very happy, and I feel like I’m very successful, and having this wellness journey and feeling comfortable and healthy in my body has been like the cherry on top of it all.”
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