Weight Loss Drug Outline
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School
Florida State University *
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Course
2000
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
7
Uploaded by masontorrance9
Stage 1: Determine the need for critical self-protection by asking:
1.
Is a major claim on beliefs/attitudes/values or actions being made?
a.
The article addresses the rising popularity of weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, as they are being used for various reasons, including health-related issues associated with chronic obesity and personal weight loss goals. However, it
highlights concerns about serious side effects that raise questions about whether
the benefits of weight loss outweigh the risks. While the incidence of these complications is relatively low on an individual basis, the cumulative risk for a larger population is a cause for concern. The article underscores the importance of tighter regulation to ensure these drugs are prescribed only to those with genuine health needs and suggests the need for more stringent guidelines, including mandatory physical assessments before prescribing, especially for individuals with conditions like body dysmorphia or eating disorders. Without improved regulation, the article warns that these drugs may lead to new health problems, not stemming from obesity itself, but from the side effects of the medications used to treat it.
2.
Is the person merely relaying information or is he/she/they strategically presenting the material?
a.
The author is not merely relaying information but is actively presenting a viewpoint and argument on the topic. They use statistical evidence and examples
to support their claims and advocate for stricter regulations surrounding the use of weight loss drugs.
Stage 2: Identify the claims that are being made:
1.
Weight loss drugs are growing in popularity, supply does not meet demand. 2.
The need for strict guidelines and regulations to ensure that only those with a clinical need can access these drugs. 3.
Serious side effects of these drugs for personal weight loss goals rather than medically needed. 4.
Concerns about off-label prescriptions and the dangers of purchasing these drugs without clinical supervision. 5.
The potential risks of a new wave of health problems if these drugs are not adequately regulated. Stage 3: Test the quality of the case for the claims:
Substage 1: Does the rhetor provide evidence and reasoning for every claim?
1.
Yes, through statistical evidence. The rhetor provides evidence of the increasing popularity of weight loss drugs and the fact that companies are ramping up supply to meet the demand. They mention that 1.7% of Americans were
prescribed semaglutide in 2023, according to data from Epic Research, indicating a surge in demand.
2.
Yes, through example and comparison. The rhetor argues for the importance of regulations and cites the guidelines provided by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) in the UK. These guidelines reflect the best evidence from clinical trials on the benefits and risks associated with these drugs.
3.
Yes, through example evidence. The rhetor highlights a study that identifies an increased risk of potentially life-threatening complications, such as pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, and gastroparesis, when using semaglutide for weight loss. This study provides statistical evidence to support the claim.
4.
Yes, through example evidence. The rhetor emphasizes the risk associated with off-label prescriptions and individuals purchasing these drugs without clinical guidance. While specific statistical evidence may not be provided, the argument is based on the potential risks associated with self-prescription.
5.
Yes, through authoritative and example. The rhetor discusses the potential health problems that could arise if these drugs are not adequately regulated. While statistical evidence is not provided, the argument is based on the idea that
better regulation is needed to prevent new health issues caused by the drugs themselves.
Substage 2: Does the support material meet the tests of evidence?
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1.
The statistical evidence in support of claim 1 passes the TOE. The evidence given showed
a large enough sample size with a representative sample.
2.
The example and comparison evidence in support of claim 2 passes the TOE. The comparisons between countries (the US and UK) and the relevant examples support the claim. 3.
The example evidence in support of claim 3 passes the TOE. The claim is supported by relevant and typical examples of potential complications. These examples provide a basis
for raising concerns about the risks associated with personal weight loss goals and the use of such drugs.
4.
The example evidence in support of claim 4 passes the TOE. The claim regarding concerns about off-label prescriptions and the dangers of purchasing these drugs without clinical supervision is supported by relevant and typical examples. These examples underscore the importance of regulating the use of these drugs and assessing patients properly to ensure their safety.
5.
The example and authoritative evidence in support of claim 5 does not pass the TOE due
to bias.
Substage 3: Is the reasoning consistent?
Yes, the reasoning is consistent throughout the rhetoric. The reasoning in the article is supported by a combination of statistical evidence, examples, comparisons, authoritative sources, and a focus on the potential risks associated with the use of these drugs.
Substage 4: Does the reasoning lead to the conclusion directly or could there be alternative factors that invalidate the conclusion?
The reasoning in the article supports the call for better regulation, but there are alternative factors, counterarguments, and nuances to consider in the discussion around weight loss drugs and their regulation.
Substage 5: Are there counterarguments or facts that invalidate the conclusion?
While there are valid concerns that support the need for better regulation of weight loss drugs, there are also counterarguments and complexities to consider. Therefore, there are counterarguments that invalidate the solution. Consider whether on balance on a strong argument is made:
Strengths/Weaknesses
Strengths
The statistical evidence in support of claim 1 passes the TOE. The evidence given shows the audience the substantial study that was taken place that supports the claim.
The example and comparison evidence in support of claim 2 passes the TOE. The example given is from a very credible source (FDA) and the comparison given is supported from a study done with US medical records.
The example evidence in support of claim 3 passes the TOE. The example given shows the severity of the risk of developing serious health issues if not taken for the correct reasons.
The example evidence in support of claim 4 passes the TOE. The examples given show the risk users take when self-purchasing these drugs rather than having them clinically overseen. Weaknesses
The evidence in support of claim 5 does not pass the TOE. The rhetor is not credible to make this claim, especially being from the UK and making these claims about the US. This claim shows bias. Stage 4: Test the rhetoric for manipulation:
1.
Does the rhetoric attempt to prevent other voices from being heard?
a.
The rhetoric in the article doesn't necessarily attempt to prevent other voices from being heard, but it does present a strong argument for the need for better regulation of weight loss drugs. It primarily focuses on the potential risks and challenges associated with these drugs and emphasizes the importance of adhering to guidelines to protect public health. While the article strongly advocates for tighter regulations, it doesn't attempt to silence opinions or voices that may have different views on the use of weight loss drugs. It primarily seeks to address potential safety concerns associated with these drugs.
2.
Does the rhetoric attempt to overwhelm our reason?
a.
The rhetoric in this article doesn't attempt to overwhelm reason or manipulate emotions in a dramatic or sensationalistic way. Instead, it presents a reasoned argument regarding the use and regulation of weight loss drugs. The article
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acknowledges the potential risks and benefits of these drugs and emphasizes the
importance of adhering to guidelines and regulations.
3.
Does the rhetoric attack groups or individual people, rather than their ideas or actions?
a.
The rhetoric in this article does not attack specific groups or individual people. Instead, it focuses on discussing the issues related to the use and regulation of weight loss drugs, providing information, analysis, and recommendations. The article doesn't engage in personal attacks or targeting individuals or groups. It centers on the broader topic of health and drug regulation.