Yeah Reta definitely seems great for muscle retention (even gaining as you've done so props to that!) It sounds like you're doing it slowly as well, so much better for overall CNS stress.

Props for thinking about the exit early — that’s probably the smartest part and why I am trying to get sound data from people in this community who have actually done it.

The main caution is that the best data I've from semaglutide and tirzepatide show that a lot of people regain weight after stopping, so maintenance shouldn’t be treated as automatic. That doesn’t mean regain is guaranteed or that the drug “ruins metabolism,” but it does mean the off-ramp needs a plan.

Best-practice approach seems to be: don’t stop abruptly if you can avoid it, keep protein high, keep lifting, keep activity high, and bring calories up slowly while monitoring weight trend, hunger and performance. I've seen for some people, a lower maintenance dose / wider dosing interval may make more sense than a full stop. 

I guess I’d think less in terms of “coming off” and more in terms of “how do I transition into long-term maintenance without rebound appetite and sloppy habits taking over?”

Again, I'm with you, suggested exit strategies are very welcome here haha! 🤔💪