Suppressing appetites, doping virtue?

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Authors: Edwin Prashanth Jesudason
Cited by: 0
References: 12

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists promote weight loss, suppressing appetite among other effects. Recent evidence suggests they may similarly placate desire when it comes to alcoholism and even problem gambling. This paper adds to the ethical consideration already given to the weight loss debates, by asking whether we are ready for such wider impacts, where such drugs and their descendants might be increasingly tuned to induce personal temperance and even societal docility. Aside from the money to be made by mass medicating, a more biddable populace could become a realisable dream, for authoritarians or degrowth environmental activists alike.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Neuroethics Human Enhancement Biomedical Innovations Ethics and bioethics in healthcare Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Medical Ethics
Pages
jme–2026
Publication date
4 March 2026
Language
EN