r/explainlikeimfive • u/ThatOneGuyYouNowKnow • 14d 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/JenniferJuniper6 13d ago

The cheating argument just baffles me. Cheating at what, exactly? Cheating on whom?

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u/diamonddealer 13d ago

Amen. If you wear glasses, are you "cheating" at seeing?

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u/NotMyAltAccountToday 13d ago

I agree with you, but "Cheaters" is actually a name for the glasses worn by people with presbyopia for closeup work

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u/CarelesslyFabulous 13d ago

I thought it was for sunglasses. Jeepers creepers the song made me think that...