Table of Contents

• Optimization Insights: GLP-1000% Nuanced

• The Leaders of The Industry vs. The New School

• Optimization Insights: Risks to Consider

• The Second-Order Effects On Industry

• The Rabbit Hole of Research

• Why an Emphasis on Maintaining Muscle, Web?

In the early 1970’s Jens Juul Holst noticed something. The University of Copenhagen professor realized that directly following intestinal surgery, patients’ levels of insulin rose while blood sugar levels fell. Over time, he came to find that these changes were due to gut hormones like Glucagon — the “G” in GLP-1. I am not sure that there is anyone on earth more studied than Professor Holst so that’s where I started my journey of really understanding the pluses, minuses, past, present, and future of this class of drug. And where it will take the many adjacent industries that will change along with the worlds around them.

I am fascinated by Holst because he was so ahead of the curve, it makes me wonder how wide and tall the walls between science and industry are at times. How did it take so long post-discovery and post-study to hit the zeitgeist? GLP-1 was officially discovered in 1994, the below quote was written just five years later:

But that was just the beginning of my fascination with the GLP-1 class of drug responsible for the new jawlines and blousier clothes of our neighbors, favorite actors, politicians, media moguls, and indie fashion designers.

Reading Johann Hari's latest book, "Magic Pill" further sparked my curiosity and compelled me to write a deep dive into the world of injectable GLP-1 agonists, better known as Ozempic or Wegovy. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists are a class of drugs that lower blood sugar levels and decrease energy intake by stimulating the GLP-1 receptor that curbs hunger.

Hari's latest is a tapestry of scientific exploration, personal anecdotes, and societal critique that examines the extraordinary benefits and disturbing risks of these new weight loss drugs. Through his meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Hari presented a balanced view of the subject, inviting readers to understand the complexity of the issue without oversimplifying it.

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