Science Friday How Do GLP-1 Drugs Override Our Biology?
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Jul 8, 2025 
David Kessler, former FDA commissioner and author of "Diet, Drugs and Dopamine," shares insights into GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic. He discusses their surprising mechanisms in weight loss, how they influence appetite control by interacting with the brain, and the implications of obesity and processed foods. Kessler also highlights the complexities of maintaining weight and calls for a holistic approach to health that goes beyond pharmaceuticals, addressing food labeling and societal challenges surrounding eating behaviors.
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Biology Drives Weight Regain
- Weight loss often fails due to metabolic adaptation and brain reward circuits driving eating behavior.
- Our brains evolved to survive scarcity, now maladapted to abundant energy-dense foods.
Ultra-Formulated Foods Cause Addiction
- Addiction is driven not by food itself but by ultra-formulated foods high in fat, sugar, and salt.
- These foods target brain reward circuits evolved for survival, causing overeating.
GLP-1 Drugs Use Biological Signals
- GLP-1 drugs work by delaying gastric emptying, creating a sensation of fullness or nausea.
- This action reduces appetite by engaging brain aversive circuits linked to food intake.
