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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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Magic Pill
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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)
What listeners say about Magic Pill
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- Brina
- 19-06-24
Please, everyone read or listen to this book
I find this book an incredible eye opener and glad I listened the the audio book version read by the author. I, myself started taking Mounjaro, a just recently in the UK approved weigh loss drug and want to know as much as possible about it. Not only learned I a lot about the drugs itself but also about society, obesity and what we all should fight for. Thanks Johann for writing this book and going on this investigative journey so we all can benefit from what you learned.
I really highly recommend to read this by everyone who is considering weight loss drugs or is overweight or obese. Ideally everyone!
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- Cassandra
- 12-05-24
Another great book by Johann Hari
I love Johann Hari’s books and performance style. He researches thoroughly and makes his findings interesting ans understandable.
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- Mackiesmac
- 20-05-24
Informative
Very informative and well researched investigation/ personal journey explaining the risks and rewards of these new diet drugs. Look forward to reading more of his work, and how the ozempic story unfolds.
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- cheerfulsoul
- 09-05-24
Heartfelt Investigation
Insightful and thoughtful research, made more affecting by the writer's self discovery about the reasons behind (his) compulsive eating. Great narrative structure, almost like a thriller/page turner: weaving the health, psychological and social aspects of this important topic. Unputdownable! I particularly enjoyed his narration and the warmth behind his words; he came across as a decent chap, with the heart in the right place. Highly recommend.
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- Parissa
- 08-07-24
Extremely interesting, topical, touching, well-researched and well-read.
This book was written for all of us who have struggled with our weight for years and who felt guilt for not being able to shift it. This is not a diet book, or a how to lose weight or even a « you’re not going to lose weight, so take this pill » book. It’s a book about food, obesity, the food industry, the diet industry and whether or not to turn to medication to lose excess weight and Johan Hari’s journey, told with touching honesty. The most interesting part of this book, for me, was the psychology of being overweight. I couldn’t recommend this book more.
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- Amazon Customer
- 12-05-24
Classic Johann Hari
If you liked Johann's other books I'm sure you'll enjoy this. I found it an interesting and balanced investigation into a particularly pertinent topic and always enjoy Johann's narration and honesty about his relevant personal experiences.
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- Amazon Customer
- 07-06-24
Phenomenal Book
Where to start, Johann’s voice is so easy to listen to. He’s such an intelligent man, I absolutely loved this book. Its content is fascinating and as someone who has struggled with weight all my life, it makes so much sense. We are being poisoned and killed by processed and junk food and no one is doing anything about it. . I am in the process of losing a fair amount of weight and this book has spurred me on even more. I now look at processed food in disgust and think that I’m not going to abuse my body with that rubbish.
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- sara
- 20-05-24
Balanced and thoughtful
As Ozempic gets bigger and polarises society, this is an important read. Truly enjoyed it
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- Mrs Verity Brightside
- 06-06-24
An eye opening read of information and emotions
I’m grateful to Johann for is openness and fact finding ability that went into writing this book. Its something all parents should strive to read or listen to. I have found it life changing and hopefully so will my children. Let the food revolution begin.
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- Amazon Customer
- 11-05-24
Dilemma for our generation…fit, fat or fix.
Truly great piece of writing and objective journalism. Balanced views expressed and laid out for YOU to decide which path to follow. Food corporations have so much to answer for…peddling sugars, fats and ultra processed foods that have the same effects on our bodies as heroin, nicotine and other drugs. Are the drug manufacturers of these “magic pills” just looking for the next consumer gravy train or do they have a genuine desire to save us?
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