Magic Pill: The Extraordinary Benefits and Disturbing Risks of the New Weight Loss Drugs

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'A game changer - for all of us' DAVINA MCCALL 'Compassionate, wise and mind-expanding' PHILIPPA PERRY 'Really important and very necessary' STEPHEN FRY The bestselling author of Lost Connections and Stolen Focus takes a revelatory look at the new drugs transforming weight loss as we know it sharing his personal experience on Ozempic and examining our ability to heal societys dysfunctional relationship with food, weight and our bodies. In January 2023, Johann Hari started to inject himself once a week with Ozempic, one of the new drugs that produces significant weight loss. He wasnt alone some predictions suggest that in a few years, one in four of the British population will be taking these drugs. While around 80 per cent of diets fail, someone taking one of the new drugs is likely to lose up to a quarter of their body weight in six months. To the drugs defenders, this is a moment of liberation from a condition that massively increases your chances of diabetes, cancer and an early death. Still, Hari was wildly conflicted. Can these drugs really be as good as they sound Are they a magic solution or a magical illusion Finding the answer to this high-stakes question led him on a journey from Iceland to Minneapolis to Tokyo, and to interview the leading experts in the world on these issues. He found that along with the drugs' massive benefits come twelve significant potential risks. He also learned that these drugs radically challenge what we think we know about shame, willpower and healing. These drugs are about to change our world, for better and for worse. Everybody needs to understand how they work scientifically, emotionally and culturally. Magic Pill is an essential guide to the revolution that has already begun and which one leading expert argues could be as transformative as the invention of the smartphone.

Reviews

A brilliant synthesis of so much important information. Really important, and very necessary -- Stephen Fry
In Magic Pill, Johann Hari marshals his trademark talents at meticulous research, incisive prose, telling anecdote and keen insight to dissect yet another of our dysfunctional cultures troubling features: the obesity epidemic of the past few decades and its treatments. Entertaining without trivializing and deeply informative without being prescriptive, this book leaves us with much to ponder, both on the individual and social levels -- Gabor Mat
Magic Pill is a fascinating exploration of weight-loss pharmaceuticals that will redefine our approach to obesity . . . This book is not just a personal story, but an examination of how these drugs interact with social norms and personal health, promising liberation and new psychological dilemmas. As we stand on the brink of a medical revolution, Magic Pill is a vital guide through the complex scientific, emotional, and cultural landscape of this new frontier -- Charles Duhigg, bestselling author of THE POWER OF HABIT
Compelling, thoughtful and fascinating, a revealing and inspiring meditation on weight loss, addiction, and the new drugs that may change the way we think about and treat obesity -- Maia Szalavitz
With the intense interest in the new miracle weight-loss drugs, we need a balanced look at their promise and peril. Entertaining and highly-readable, Johann Haris Magic Pill delivers the information people need to help make a medical decision that might change their future -- Arthur C. Brookes, bestselling author of FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
In Magic Pill, Johan Hari gives us a crash course on the new weight loss drugs that will soon be transforming bodies, minds, and societies on a massive scale. I had no idea of the power of these drugs, or of the complex web of risks and benefits, until Hari laid it all out with his wonderful technique of saying "come on a journey with me as I take these drugs myself while talking with scientists and colorful characters all over the world!" Magic Pill will help you think more clearly about eating, dieting, health, and mental health, even if you never touch Ozempic -- Jonathan Haidt, NYU-Stern School of Business
A brilliant book by a master storyteller. Its compassionate, wise and mind-expanding. Whether you are excited about these drugs or sceptical of them, you will learn so much in Magic Pill - it is a must-read -- Philippa Perry
This is a game changer - for all of us. It is balanced and shocking, vitally important and, crucially, non-judgemental. I learned so much -- Davina McCall

Author Bio

Johann Hari is a writer and journalist. He has written for the New York Times, Le Monde, the Guardian and other newspapers. His TED talks have been viewed over 70 million times, and his work has been praised by a broad range of people, from Oprah to Noam Chomsky to Joe Rogan. He lives in London. @johannhari101