Is It Discipline or GLP-1 Receptor Agonists?

What Is Discipline? A Stoic Perspective

The Stoics, those ancient philosophers who loved a good challenge (and probably hated excuses), defined discipline as a blend of self-control, persistence, and wisdom. To them, discipline wasn’t about punishment—it was about mastering one’s desires and impulses to live a life of purpose and virtue. Marcus Aurelius might even tell you that true freedom comes from discipline, not from indulging every craving.

But in today’s world, where temptations come in the form of all-you-can-eat buffets and midnight snack binges, maintaining discipline can feel like swimming upstream.

"Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment." ( Inspired by Stoicism).

Can Supplements Help You Lose Weight?

Spoiler alert: Nope.

No dietary supplement has been conclusively proven to effectively reduce body weight. Sure, the supplement aisle is filled with shiny labels promising miraculous results, but the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has only authorized glucomannan as having any effect on weight management—and that’s when consumed alongside a low-calorie diet.

Even when we shift our focus to medications approved for weight loss, like those reviewed in this JAMA article, they all pale in comparison to the rising star of weight management: GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs).

The Mind Game of GLP-1 RAs

Here’s my take (and yes, it’s personal and not a health adwise!): The most profound effects of GLP-1 RAs seem to take place in the brain.

Sure, they’re marketed for their ability to regulate blood sugar, reduce appetite, and lead to significant weight loss. But what if their secret sauce lies in how they influence discipline? These medications seem to affect persistence, habits, and even addictive behaviors. Can we go so far as to say they shape personality? (I’ll leave that as a rhetorical question for now.)

We know habits shape personality over time, so if GLP-1 RAs improve habits—helping people make better choices, resist cravings, and stick to their goals—aren’t they doing much more than just lowering the numbers on a scale?

Influencing discipline, habits, and persistence.

Beyond Weight Loss

GLP-1 RAs are much more than glucose managers or weight loss tools. They are reshaping how we think about obesity, discipline, and behavior. Their effects ripple far beyond the pancreas and the waistline, and we should be paying close attention to where this research leads.

What’s Your Take?

Have you seen the transformative effects of GLP-1 RAs in yourself or your patients? Do you agree they influence more than physiology and might touch the core of what we call "discipline"?