ARGUING YES
Dean and Distinguished Professor at the Indiana University School of Public Health—Bloomington
ARGUING NO
Associate Professor of the Psychology of Obesity at the University of Leeds
MODERATOR
Host and Moderator-in-Chief
This week:
- New episode: Should GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic be more widely available?
- A closer look at the nationwide distribution of weight loss medication
- Attend our LIVE debate on dating apps at the Comedy Cellar in NYC on February 5th
- Your Sunday reading list
After a season of holiday gatherings, are you among the millions resolving to lose weight this January?
Should prescription weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro be made available in your quest to slim down?
These medications, known as GLP-1 agonists, have been a game-changer for over 15 million Americans trying to lose weight and keep it off. They work by imitating a natural hormone that helps the body produce more insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels. While originally intended for people with type 2 diabetes, its ability to produce weight loss has created high demand across the healthcare industry.
Those who support the broad availability of these medications say for many people, changes in one’s lifestyle, diet, and exercise habits are not enough. These drugs are a tool that can help change the tide for fighting the obesity epidemic and how it’s treated and perceived. They also cite new research that suggests significant health benefits beyond weight loss.
But others say the medications may have the risk of side effects, and those using them could regain weight if they get off too soon and aren’t under a doctor’s supervision. Until more research is done, they should only be provided as medically directed. There is also an equity issue: will only those who can afford the out-of-pocket expenses of the drug reap the benefits of liberal use?
Arguing “yes” to our motion question is Dr. David Allison, who is the dean of Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington and has spent two decades studying the science behind obesity. Arguing “no” to a more expansive use policy is Dr. Stuart W. Flint, an associate professor at the University of Leeds studying the psychosocial effects of obesity and weight stigma.
Should prescription weight loss drugs be available to all? Listen to the debate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. As always, let us know what you think.
DEBATING THE DATA
Are these prescriptions going to the patients who need them most?
POINT/COUNTERPOINT
Prescription Weight Loss Drugs for All?
YES: David Allison
“This is about having the best lives we can. This is about the freedom to choose what for ourselves we see as the best lives and this is about equity… The wealthy can get these drugs regardless of their conditions, and do in many cases… Obesity, weight concerns, hunger, the social discrimination against people who are not as lean as somebody might wish them to be or they might wish themselves to be, are profound. They affect different groups differently and I think all groups should have the opportunity to benefit from these drugs.”
NO: Stuart W. Flint
“My stance remains that these medications should not be available until they’ve been clinically proven to be safe and effective for different groups of the population. They’ve only been tested for people living with obesity and diabetes, and until we’re in a position where they’ve been tested across the population with people, for instance, who are not living with obesity, who may fall within the healthy weight range, then my stance is, they shouldn’t be available for all.”
Join Us As A Tinder Executive and A Matchmaker Debate Dating Apps
Are you using a dating app to find your Valentine’s Day date? Whether you’re swiping, matching, or ghosting dating apps altogether, join us live in New York City where we will debate: Is It Time to Break Up with Dating Apps?
- Arguing YES: Maria Avgitidis, Matchmaker & CEO of Agape Match
- Arguing NO: Melissa Hobley, Global CMO of Tinder
- Guest Moderator: Nayeema Raza, Journalist & Host of “Smart Girl Dumb Questions”
When: Wednesday, February 5th
Where: Comedy Cellar at The Village Underground, 130 W 3rd St. (Between 6th Avenue and MacDougal Street)
Doors open at 5:30 PM and the debate starts at 6:00 PM. Register here.
WEEKLY POINTS OF VIEW
How journalism will adapt in the age of AI
John Micklethwait | January 10, 2025
Bloomberg
Watch John’s conversation on Henry Kissinger and leadership
Why not making bird flu vaccines available now is a mistake
Leana S. Wen | January 16, 2025
The Washington Post
Watch Leana’s debate on whether COVID booster shots are unethical
Justin Trudeau’s performative self-regard
David Frum | January 15, 2025
The Atlantic
Watch David’s debate on whether we should give Trump a chance
David Wolpe | January 15, 2025
Commentary Magazine
Watch David’s debate on whether the world would be better off without religion
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