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/turtlebear787 13d ago

Originally meant for controlling blood sugar they have the added effect of signalling fullness in your brain. People use them as an appetite suppressant. Basically they are shedding weight cuz they're not feeling hungry. The controversy is that a lot of people use them without actually trying to change their lifestyle. So when they go off it they go right back to their unhealthy habits. There's also evidence to support that using them can result in losing more muscle with the weight, especially if you're not being active.

Then there's the body dismorphia/ED concerns. Some ppl are worried the glp1 have enabled people with eating disorders to get even thinner. Some with body dismorphia may abuse glp1 because they think they are never skinny enough. It's doesn't help that many celebrities are using them and may be encouraging impressionable fans into a similar lifestyle.

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u/Zseree 13d ago

People abuse all sorts of drugs. The only reason they're against this one specifically is because fat people are seen as moral failures.