Eric Stonestreet once believed he was in pretty good shape. Sure, he had trouble losing weight like many people do, but overall, he thought he was doing okay. He tried to live somewhat healthy—nothing extreme, just keeping it steady.
Then came 2009. He had just landed his now-iconic role as Cameron on Modern Family. Life was exciting. But during that same time, he got news that changed everything—he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
At first, Eric didn’t take it seriously. It didn’t feel real. “I was just given some pills and told to take care,” he said. There was no serious talk, no emotional warning. So, like many others, he didn’t act right away.
Keeping His Diagnosis a Secret
Instead of reaching out, Eric kept it all to himself. He was embarrassed. He didn’t even tell his parents, though they were both type 2 diabetics. He kept it from close friends. And even when he started dating Lindsay Schweitzer, the woman who would become his fiancée, he didn’t say a word for years.
He would hide his medications. He made sure nothing in the fridge would give away the truth. It became a secret he carried around daily.
The Turning Point
Years passed, and Eric still wasn’t doing much to manage the condition. But everything changed when he met a group of doctors who really explained what could happen if he didn’t make a change.
He thought of his dad. His father had passed away from leukemia, but the pain he remembered most was the diabetic nerve damage in his legs and feet. That memory hit hard. Eric didn’t want to go through the same thing.
He also thought about Lindsay’s twin boys, who had been in his life since they were three years old. He considers them his own kids. He realized he wanted to be around for them—for birthdays, holidays, all the small moments.
That’s when he made a decision: it was time to take control.
Discovering a New Tool: Mounjaro
One of his doctors told him about a new medication that was coming out—Mounjaro. It’s a weekly injection used to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps the body manage blood sugar and also reduces appetite. That means better blood sugar control and, often, weight loss too.
When Mounjaro became available in 2022, Eric started taking it right away. And it changed everything.
“It’s a game changer,” he says. It didn’t just lower his blood sugar—it shifted his whole lifestyle. He found himself wanting to make better choices. It helped him think differently about food and movement.
Real Results, Real Changes
Eric isn’t shy about saying the medication helped. But he also says it wasn’t magic. He still had to put in work. Once he saw how well it was working, he felt responsible to do his part.
“If I don’t make good choices too, I’m letting it down,” he joked.
That mindset helped him stick to healthier habits. He started walking more. Eating smarter. Being more consistent. And slowly, the weight started coming off.
He says his mom also uses the medication and lost a lot of weight. For Eric, the change was slower but steady. He’d been stuck at the same weight for years. But with a new routine, things shifted. He’s now lost a significant amount.
Feeling the Difference
He says there’s a new energy in his step. Just recently, he walked 4.4 miles through the streets of New York City. And the simple things—like carrying bags at the airport—suddenly feel easier.
“I’m just lighter on my feet,” he says. “You lose a couple pounds and you feel better.” Most people can relate to that. Even small changes can boost how you feel daily.
He also likes to joke that he’s “turned his diabetes into a game.” He pays close attention to what he eats and how his body reacts. It helps him stay on track in a fun, less stressful way.
A New Role: Raising Awareness
Now, Eric is sharing his story. He wants others to know they’re not alone. He’s also joined his mom as a spokesperson for Eli Lilly, the company behind Mounjaro.
This time, he’s not hiding anything. In fact, he’s speaking up in a big way. He knows how hard it can be to face a diagnosis. He also knows it’s possible to feel better and live better—with support, the right tools, and a little motivation.
Eric’s journey wasn’t fast. It wasn’t perfect. But it’s real. And it’s inspiring.
He reminds us that even if you’ve ignored your health for years, it’s never too late to turn things around. It starts with one small step—and a decision to not give up.
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