The news breathlessly reported that a recent meta-analysis research study of GLP1s concluded that the weight loss people had while on GLP1s reversed after they discontinued using the drugs. In a side note, the report mentioned that some of the researchers were employees of the drug manufacturers.
Thank you Mr. Obvious.
Who decided a study like this was needed? We already know that GLP1s help people lose weight by eliminating hunger signals and curbing appetite. We already know that these effects of GLP1s stop when people stop taking the drugs.
And finally, are you really going trust the researchers who are being paid by the drug manufacturers to not say that:
- The drugs work.
- The drugs stop working if you stop using them (and thus buying them).
- The weight loss you want will disappear if you go off the drugs.
Guess what? Just like GLP1 users don’t want to gain the weight back, researchers employed by big pharma don’t want to lose their paychecks.
Who pays for studies like this? I hope it’s not funded with taxpayer dollars.
When DOGE was going full throttle earlier in 2025, there were daily reports of ridiculous studies and programs that were funded by US taxpayers through the CDC, the NIH and USAID. In addition, there were countless news stories featuring government funded nonprofits who lost funding. these stories were meant to induce sympathy for the organizations but for me, they elicited scorn because of their wonky missions and seemingly ineffective actions.
I understand why scientists, researchers, NGOs, nonprofits and their employees want these programs funded – it’s inter self-interest! Without funding, these people are unemployed.
I’m sure some of the people are true believers who are passionate about their mission. However, passion doesn’t pay your bills.
Self-interest trumps nearly every other motivation, nearly every time.
The evidence is right in front of our faces. We don’t need a study to prove it.
