I first encountered the author Johann Hari when I read Stolen Focus about the effects of electronic devices on our attention span. His honest discussion of his own struggles along with research he did about the phenomenon allowed me to think through the issue. Here in Magic Pill Hari thoroughly explores the introduction of the drug Ozempic(and its near kin) now being used to lose weight. Injectable, the drug has a dramatic effect, not only reducing weight but helping with obesity related problems such as diabetes.
Having lived through a myriad of “instant cures” for weight loss beginning with Metracal in 1966, I was intrigued by this new approach. In addition I was curious about the surge in obesity in the last 40 years. What has been going on and why was a new and very expensive drug needed to “cure” it?
I have no interest in using the drug, but I am fascinated by its current popularity. Hari does an excellent job of addressing many of my concerns. Why is there more obesity? How does Ozempic work? What are its long term consequences?
The book captivated me and I think it will engage many others, whether users, prospective users or “not in this life” readers. And my personal bias after reading the book? I think big business has come up with an expensive solution to a problem that big business–the processed food industry–created. Hari remains fairly neutral. Let me know if you have thoughts on the matter.
Saved By Words 
People might like that, an easy way to lose weight.🥰
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It is very popular here though very expensive.
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I dare say in 20 years time there will be lots of legal cases for the unseen side effects and consequences of using such drugs. I’ll stay as I am thanks!
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I am sure you are right about down the road law suits.
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My wife was just talking to me about this drug. I haven’t fact checked this, but she said that Oprah Winfrey, who I usually admire, has been a spokesperson for Weight Watchers for many years. She apparently is getting some flack for using Ozempic since the implication is she lost pounds on Weight Watchers.
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Oprah always seemed to be looking for a perfect solution and seems to think she has found it in Ozempic. I admire much about her, but less so around her fixation on weight.
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Sounds like magic… But, like any miracle, I gather there can be nasty side-effects.
I’ve managed to lose a bit the old-fashioned way, and it’s been (mostly) staying off. However, I recently picked up a summer dress in a charity shop (op sop? thrift store? whatever they’re called elsewhere…) without checking first what its size was. It turned out to be a size 12 (UK) and I am now 14 (previously 16 and rising). It does look good but more snug than I am comfortable with.
Having become used to eating more normally, can I start again and lose those extra pounds???
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I think as we age we need to eat less in general to stay the same weight.
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I have always found exercise and not eating too much to be effective. I think this is part of our instant age – we don’t want to wait for anything to acquire or to achieve
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I wonder if it is because we grew up before the category of “snack food” was invented. No more “wait until dinner” for younger folks.
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Quite likely
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I find it strange how many people who do not really need to lose that much weight are using this drug. The quest for ‘the perfect figure’ is nothing new, but the craze is fuelled by social media to the stage that it gets out of hand. Conversely, many extremely obese people who might benefit from weight loss seem to be mainly concerned about when their next burger or pizza is being delivered.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Hmmm, yes “Why is there more obesity? What are Ozempic’s long term consequences?” Well, for the first,it has a lot to do with the ultra-processed foods in our diets now. I try not to eat them at all. As for Ozempic, like any drug it will have side effects, some more serious than others. I frequently have conversations about the fact that we have strayed so far from natural food…. Great post
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Thanks. No one knows the long term effects, but they are certainly willing to use it.
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I’m a type 2 diabetic and have seriously thought about using the drug, but I think I might want to hold off and see how others respond to it more long term. Like, are there long-term side effects we should be concerned about? Yes, I’m one of those people who have tried every weight-loss trick in the book. Ugh.
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I think you have to balance the positives with the negative in your case. I am mostly skeptical of people using it as a short cut to changing their diets.
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I agree about the short-cut part. Especially with those who, like one of your other commenters mentioned, don’t really need to lose that much weight and are more interested in meeting unrealistic standards of beauty.
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