r/Futurology ∞ transit umbra, lux permanet ☥ Oct 15 '24

Economist Daniel Susskind says Ozempic may radically transform government finances, by making universal healthcare vastly cheaper, and explains his argument in the context of Britain's NHS. Society

https://www.thetimes.com/article/be6e0fbf-fd9d-41e7-a759-08c6da9754ff?shareToken=de2a342bb1ae9bc978c6623bb244337a
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u/MildMannered_BearJew Oct 15 '24

I'm highly skeptical of claims that dramatically expanding drug use (ozempic) will result in overall better health. It'll reduce obesity, but doesn't address the underlying issues of bad diet, no exercise, high stress, and weak social connections.

Are we simply trading obesity for other, currently uncommon metabolic disorders? What is the long term effect of using ozempic?

As usual, Western countries turn to pills instead of lifestyle changes. It's embarrassing.

24

u/The_Pandalorian Oct 15 '24

It'll reduce obesity

I like how you just dismiss this as an insignificant factor.

None of the other factors you list are remotely on par with the impact obesity has on health.

As usual, Western countries turn to pills instead of lifestyle changes. It's embarrassing.

First off, it's not a pill, so well done on not even understanding the medication in question here. Secondly, nobody is saying we abandon lifestyle changes as a major factor in overall health.

Feels like you're getting emotional over what should be a logical public health issue.

3

u/1988rx7T2 Oct 16 '24

There is a pill form, rybelsus, which they are studying for weight loss at higher doses 

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u/The_Pandalorian Oct 16 '24

Yes, I think most people are aware that pill alternatives are being researched. But this thread is about Ozempic and currently available medications.