A property manager has shared her experience with weight regain after stopping Ozempic, emphasizing the long-term impact of lifestyle changes over short-term pharmaceutical solutions. Arina Yasm, 30, began taking Ozempic in December 2020, aiming to address weight gain attributed to a stressful move to Dubai and a sedentary job. At the time, she weighed 14 stone 6 pounds and wore a size XXL.
Describing her previous eating habits, Yasm cited stress and boredom as contributing factors. She reported frequent consumption of fast food, such as McDonald's for breakfast or lunch, up to 50 pieces of sushi for dinner, and accompanying snacks like crisps and burritos. Sugary drinks and daily alcohol consumption were also part of her routine. She noted that food delivery apps exacerbated her lack of control over her diet, with 24-hour availability of convenience foods.
Yasm stated that her weight had impacted her quality of life, making it difficult to find clothing and leading to feelings of being older than her years. She learned about semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, in late 2020. The drug, approved for diabetes treatment in the UK since 2017, was later approved for weight loss in 2023, though it was offered by private practitioners for weight management prior to official approval.
Within six months of using the injections, Yasm lost over three stone but experienced significant stomach pain, for which she received medication. However, upon discontinuing the injections in June 2021, her appetite returned, and she began regaining weight rapidly. She reported that within a few months, she had regained all the lost weight, returning to 14 stone 6 pounds. This weight rebound contributed to daily neck and knee pain, prompting her to seek a more sustainable approach to her health.
Instead of pursuing another quick fix, Yasm hired a personal trainer and focused on making gradual, maintainable changes. She modified her diet by reducing alcohol intake and incorporated regular exercise. Initially training three times a week, she increased her sessions to four or five. Her routine included a combination of strength training and cardio, aiming for 10,000 to 20,000 steps daily. Yasm noted that exercise was initially challenging due to her weight, but as she lost weight and her stamina improved, she was able to increase the intensity and duration of her workouts. She eventually took up running once she reached approximately 11 stone, feeling her knees could better handle the impact.
Today, Yasm weighs eight stone and wears a size eight. She attributes the majority of her six-and-a-half stone weight loss to a fundamental shift in her diet, with approximately 85% of her food now homecooked. Her diet emphasizes protein sources such as fish, meat, and eggs, alongside complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, rice, and wholegrain bread. She has eliminated sugary drinks, opting for water or Coke Zero.
Reflecting on her motivation, Yasm stated that the first step was acknowledging her unhealthy state. She believes that lasting change requires a comprehensive strategy that becomes integrated into one's lifestyle, rather than a temporary diet that people tend to revert from after completion.