[homefree]

Obviously it’s not much easier or the drug wouldn’t be so valuable.

People make such a moral crusade of this - the drug works, people will take it. Behavior modification works in theory and fails for most in practice. Even for those that can make it work usually don’t hold out indefinitely.

[nradov]

I made no moral statement. Behavior modification has worked great for several formerly obese people that I know. They made permanent lifestyle changes without relying on drugs. I really don't care whether people take weight loss drugs or not but the reality is that there are cheaper and safer alternatives.

[homefree]

You’ve been here since 2007, you’re not dumb. Stating it’s “much easier” when it’s obviously not betrays something.

We likely agree that doing it without drugs is probably better, but it’s definitely harder and it’s not clear yet how much better it will even be.

I’ve successfully lost 70lbs (250->180) three times and gotten fit, but it’s a constant effort and psychic drain to maintain the lower weight. If the drug (which I haven’t taken yet) made it easy that’d be a relief. It’s much easier to just manage exercise.

I suspect people that don’t have as much difficulty just get a different amount of joy from eating. For me I felt I could relate to the way an alcoholic described trying to quit drinking, except it’s harder in a way because you have to eat.