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Magic Pill
- The Extraordinary Benefits and Disturbing Risks of the New Weight Loss Drugs
- Narrated by: Johann Hari
- Length: 8 hrs and 26 mins
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Publisher's summary
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 society’s 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 wasn’t 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.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
Critic 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 culture’s 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 Maté)
'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 Hari’s 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)
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What listeners say about Magic Pill
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- monica
- 05-23-24
Well researched
Loved the depth and unbiased research. I found it really interesting and easy to listen to.
I bought this because I have the author’s other books and loved them. This is not a topic I’m greatly interested in, however I am after listening to this book.
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- Vukibog
- 06-09-24
Amazing book
I really enjoyed this book! It does a great job explaining the root problem of why we need Ozempic in our society.
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- Anonymous User
- 06-02-24
great writer on a topic of our time
hari first greatly affected me with his book on depression, now this book has illuminated me on the shocking implications of these drugs and the weight of the food system issue crushing the health of our societies. he writes with eloquence and empathy and I would recommend this to anyone with even a passing interest on the topic
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- lizzie loudon
- 06-02-24
A lived experience of obesity
It was fascinating learning about the big food companies and how they have harmed our health, and how now Big Pharma will now make billions to help us out of the health crisis we are now in. But I was most interested in Johann’s insights of living with obesity. As a health professional I found this lived experience knowledge invaluable. Such an amazing communicator on health topics.!
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