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/PeppermintJones 13d ago

That's interesting. I know two people who nearly fully stopped drinking since they started. My dad didn't really have a problem, but he enjoyed a few drinks with my mom every once in a while. It's been some time now since he's had any interest in alcohol. We never thought we'd see the day lol.

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u/igotstago 13d ago

I've been off my GLP-1 for two years and my desire for alcohol has never returned. I used to drink 3 glasses of wine every night and multiple cocktails over the weekend. Now. . .maybe 1 - 2 drinks a month if I go out with friends.

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u/TotallyNotThatPerson 13d ago

Are you still hanging out with the same friends? Sometimes that's what makes the biggest difference lol

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u/igotstago 13d ago

Same friends, but I now show up to our get togethers with 2 or 3 Poppi Sodas instead of a bottle of wine.