Your Body on Tech

Can Ozempic End Addiction? Dhruv Khullar Explains the Science

Physician Dhruv Khullar traces the path of GLP-1s from Gila monster saliva to potential addiction treatments that quiet brain cravings.

GLP-1s like Ozempic may treat addiction by quieting the relentless noise of craving in the brain.

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46 minJun 26, 2026TED Talks Daily

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Can Ozempic end addiction? | Dhruv Khullar | Your Body on Tech

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Key takeaways

What to know before you press play.

01

GLP-1s May Treat Addiction

GLP-1s like Ozempic could do more than just tip the scales, potentially serving as a treatment for addiction.

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02

Origins in Gila Monster Saliva

The 'moderation molecule' was discovered in Gila monster saliva before becoming a potential diabetes medication and addiction treatment.

2
03

Brain Effects Over Gut

The most surprising effects of GLP-1s may not be in the gut, but in the brain, where they can quiet the relentless noise of craving.

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Ask GenPod next

Keep the question moving.

01

How do GLP-1s affect the brain's craving centers?

02

What is the history of GLP-1 discovery in Gila monster saliva?

03

How does Manoush Zomorodi connect health to the high-tech era?

Background reading

The context behind the episode.

Series Context

Your Body on Tech

This episode is part of a seven-part series on TED Talks Daily exploring how to live a healthier life in the high-tech era, curated by guest host Manoush Zomorodi.

5

Questions

Questions to carry into the episode.

What is the 'moderation molecule'?

It refers to GLP-1s, discovered in Gila monster saliva, which may treat addiction and diabetes.

2
Where do the most surprising effects of GLP-1s occur?

The most surprising effects may not be in the gut, but in the brain.

3
How do GLP-1s affect craving?

They can quiet the relentless noise of craving.

2

Experts

Voices named in the source.

Dhruv Khullar

Physician

2

Manoush Zomorodi

Author and podcaster

45

Sources and disclosure

Where this guide comes from.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Publisher show notes

    What if GLP-1s like Ozempic could do more than just tip the scales?

  2. Publisher show notes

    Physician Dhruv Khullar traces the winding path of the "moderation molecule" — from a discovery in Gila monster saliva to a potential diabetes medication and addiction treatment — and how they could quiet the relentless noise of craving.

  3. Publisher show notes

    The most surprising effects of GLP-1s may not be in the gut, but in the brain.

  4. Publisher show notes

    And stick around after his talk for a deep dive conversation with our guest host for the week, author and podcaster Manoush Zomorodi, into the ideas he shared on stage and beyond.

  5. Publisher show notes

    This is episode five of a seven-part series airing this week on TED Talks Daily, where Manoush — and the seven speakers she curated for TED2026 — explore how you can live a healthier life in our high-tech era.

  6. Publisher show notes

    To hear more from Manoush, listen to TED Radio Hour wherever you get your podcasts. Check out her new book, Body Electric, to learn more about the hidden health costs of the digital age.

  7. Publisher show notes

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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