Plain English with Derek Thompson

Are GLP-1 Drugs "the Greatest Medical Breakthrough of the 21st Century"?

136 snips
Jan 31, 2025
Ziyad Al-Aly, a physician-scientist from Washington University in St. Louis, co-authored a paper exploring the groundbreaking effects of GLP-1 drugs. The conversation highlights how these drugs extend beyond diabetes treatment, potentially aiding in reducing risks for substance abuse, neurocognitive disorders, and even conditions like Alzheimer's. Al-Aly discusses the implications of these findings on our understanding of free will and behavior. He also calls for more research to fully unlock the transformative potential of GLP-1 medications.
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ANECDOTE

Penicillin Discovery

  • In 1928, Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin by accident when mold contaminated his petri dish.
  • It killed the bacteria, but developing penicillin for human use took years.
INSIGHT

GLP-1: Another Accidental Discovery

  • GLP-1 drugs, like penicillin, were discovered accidentally while studying Gila monster saliva.
  • These drugs, initially for diabetes, also cause significant weight loss.
INSIGHT

Need for Comprehensive Study

  • Existing GLP-1 studies focus on specific benefits, lacking a comprehensive view.
  • This new study analyzes all possible health outcomes in veterans using GLP-1 drugs.
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