The Truth Behind Weight Loss Drugs: Quick Fix or Long Term Trap?
Semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic), liraglutide (Saxenda/Victoza), tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) and orlistat (Xenical) — these are the names of some of the current, most talked about weight loss drugs in the world, including on the NHS here in the UK (though some are only for specialist services).
I’m not a doctor, giving medical advice — that’s not my role. But after listening, reading, and reflecting on recent stories (and the science behind them), I want to share what I think many people — including some professionals — are forgetting or missing entirely.
Will you really feel happier after a quick fix?
If someone said to me:
‘Here Paul, take this pill — you’ll look like Adonis…it will melt your spare tyre, plus all your other wobbly bits – and, hey presto you’ll have six pack abs – and a body that Michaelangelo would be happy to sculpt…’
…I’d probably say yes too!
But that isn’t what weight loss drugs do. It’s not that simple. They come with caveats, risks, and a few hard truths.
How they came to market
Did you know, these treatments shot to fame after the STEP & SURMOUNT trials — as recent as 2020–2023. Thousands of adults with obesity, men and women aged 18–70+, took part. (and what else was going on in the world during that time?…)
Here’s what rarely gets mentioned:
Everyone in those trials also got lifestyle counselling and advice on diet and exercise.
The trials tested whether adding medication helped people lose more weight vs placebo — not whether medication beats lifestyle change alone.
At STEP 4 of the trials, another truth appeared:
When people stopped semaglutide, most regained much of the lost weight — even with continued lifestyle support.
That shows something fundamental: weight loss isn’t permanent if the drug is stopped. Your biology fights back. Would you risk needing a lifetime’s supply of medication just to keep your weight down?
FACT: most modern weight loss drugs curb appetite — that’s it
They work mainly by making you feel fuller, faster. But weight gain and loss isn’t only about ‘calories in vs calories out.’
Beyond calories: what else drives weight gain?
I (and many others) argue it’s also about:
Hormonal balance and gland health
The make-up of your gut microbiome
Chronic inflammation (including stress and poor sleep)
Food intolerances and sensitivities your GP or dietitian may never consider are actually linked to inflammation and obesity
Our bodies aren’t just simple furnaces where you throw in some fuel – and there’s some magical fire that’s burning all the calories! It’s true reducing the excess calories / volume of poor quality food can help — but it’s far from the whole story.
What are you really losing when you lose weight?
We’ve been told for years that weight lost = fat lost but it’s not quite as simple as that. Here’s what usually happens:
Within the first week of any major dietary change – the ‘big drop’ is often water.
On very low calorie / other intensive diets, fasting, or appetite suppressant drugs, we also break down lean muscle, too.
Muscle is approx 75–80% water, 15–20% proteins.
Lose muscle → metabolism slows → regain comes back faster.
No wonder some people describe looking ‘gaunt’ (aka Ozempic Face) after rapid weight loss.
And if your appetite is suppressed, it’s even harder to get enough protein to protect muscle and collagen.
A lesson from history: The Minnesota Starvation Experiment (1944–45)
This was conducted on 36 healthy young men:
After 6 months of semi starvation, they lost about 25% of body weight.
Post study, they were so hungry some ate 8–10,000 kcal/day.
They regained all the weight, and many overshot to become heavier than before!
Muscle was lost → metabolism dropped → rapid regain, often as fat.
This experiment (while only in men) shows a key point: The body wants to restore lost weight — sometimes more than before. It’s why so many people regain weight after stopping diet pills or extreme diets.
This experiment (while only in men) shows a key point: The body wants to restore lost weight — sometimes more than before. It’s why so many people regain weight after stopping diet pills or extreme diets.
Quick fixes vs sustainable change…
Remember the tortoise and the hare? The hare raced ahead but burned out. The tortoise kept going… and won.
Quick fixes often fail. Smart, steady, sustainable change usually wins.
The ‘quick fix’ isn’t side effect free!
Many people on these drugs report:
nausea, bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhoea or constipation
dizziness, fatigue, or feeling ‘off’
rare but more serious risks: gallstones, pancreatitis, menstrual cycle changes and interference with contraceptives
These drugs haven’t been studied for lifelong use.
Monitoring systems like the government - Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Yellow Card system are tracking reports — but research is still ongoing.
Some experts ask: could years of use bring new cancer risks?
We’re told weight loss reduces cancer risk — but could we be trading one risk for another?
And what is the true cost, financially and biologically, of staying on such interventions for life?
My View
I believe everyone should have the freedom to choose.
But before relying on medication for life, first consider the bigger risks, side effects and unknowns — especially when so little long term safety data exists. Otherwise, it’s like playing roulette with your health and quality of life.
For me, because of possible side effects, muscle loss and unknown long term risks, it wouldn’t be my choice. But don’t let that stop you having an honest chat with your medical specialist.
What really matters?
We know from history – short term fixes rarely work.
So why not start by learning what’s truly specific to you?
Hormonal balance, medications, gut health
What’s really driving systemic inflammation in your body
And then aim to build better body composition: protect lean muscle, reduce excessive fat and inflammation, support metabolism and energy — so your quality of life improves, not just the number on the scales.
My suggestions:
If you want to reverse systemic inflammation and achieve weight loss that lasts — whether that’s through changing how you eat, medication, or both — don’t forget to include:
Strength training, especially as you age
Eating enough protein to protect and maintain lean muscle mass
Good sleep and stress management
Small, realistic habits you can keep for life
It shouldn’t feel extreme — it should feel so natural you can’t say no.
Final thought
It’s not only about being lighter on the scales.
It’s about health, strength, body composition and mindset.
It’s about becoming healthier, stronger and more resilient — inside and out.
Are you thinking of turning your life around in a more sustainable, accountable way? Do you need to figure out how to strength train effectively and safely? Get in touch!
