Plain English with Derek Thompson Plain English BEST OF: If GLP-1 Drugs Are Good for Everything, Should We All Be on Them?
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Jan 6, 2026 
In this enlightening discussion, David D'Alessio, Chief of Endocrinology at Duke University, and Randy Seeley, Professor at the University of Michigan, dive deep into the world of GLP-1 drugs. They explore how these medications promote weight loss by increasing satiety and affecting brain-gut communication. The pair also discuss the surprising shift from diabetes treatments to weight-loss solutions and the potential benefits for cardiovascular health. Plus, they ponder the drugs' effects on cravings and the importance of personalizing treatment approaches.
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A Single Drug, Many Targets
- GLP-1 drugs act across many body systems, not just one organ, producing broad benefits like weight loss and reduced inflammation.
- David D’Alessio compares their effects to a Swiss Army knife hitting many targets throughout the body.
They Turn Down Appetite, Not Obliterate It
- GLP-1s reduce appetite by activating the body's satiety system and subtly lowering daily calorie intake.
- David D’Alessio emphasizes that small daily reductions in intake add up to large clinically meaningful weight loss.
Resetting The Body Weight Set Point
- GLP-1 drugs change the body weight 'set point' so people lose weight without the normal increase in hunger.
- Randy Seeley explains this brain-mediated reset lets patients be less hungry while losing weight.