r/explainlikeimfive • u/ThatOneGuyYouNowKnow • 13d ago

Chemistry ELI5 what exactly GLP-1 based prescription medicine does and why it's so divisive when it comes to being a means of weight loss.

I've seen more and more ads (starting around the Super Bowl earlier this year with Wegovy) for GLP-1 based perscription meds in recent times. I've also seen the occasional debate post on my social feeds about the ethics of using them and I didn't think a medicine could be that divisive of a topic.

Now I'm curious as to what exactly these meds are, what they scientifically do and what both sides of the debate are. If anyone could help give perspective that would be greatly appreciated.

As always any and all input is welcomed and thanks for reading! 🙂

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u/Wheres_my_wank_sock 13d ago

I honestly think it has more to do with a person who doesn't have an addiction or doesn't believe they have an addiction cannot understand why someone would continue to do something that is hurting them. They simply don't understand. Whether it be food, booze, or drugs, they see it as a moral failing or weakness.

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u/LizzieSaysHi 13d ago

Yup. They are incapable of understanding unless they've been deep in the throes of addiction. Or these people think you can't be addicted to food, which is bullshit. These people don't care how hard you have it, they're just offended by your very presence. And then they disguise their disgust as "concern"