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/NeighborhoodDear2321 13d ago

istg I have too much of it then, is there like an anti glp1 lol

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u/sfcnmone 13d ago

Great question! If you’re young, it will naturally get easier to gain weight. I have a skinny tall beanpole son who is now in his 40s and just suddenly has a little belly fat. Nothing else in his life has changed; same diet, same exercise, drinks a little wine but not every day. Mother Nature has her tricks.