Magic Pill
The Extraordinary Benefits and Disturbing Risks of the New Weight Loss Drugs
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Narrated by:
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Johann Hari
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By:
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Johann Hari
About this listen
Bloomsbury presents Magic Pill written and read by Johann Hari.
'A wonderfully accessible exploration of one of the most complex problems of our age' TELEGRAPH
'Magic Pill will help you think more clearly about eating, dieting, health and mental health, even if you never touch Ozempic' JONATHAN HAIDT
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.
'A brilliant synthesis of so much important information. Really important, and very necessary' STEPHEN FRY
'Compassionate, wise and mind-expanding . . . A must read' PHILIPPA PERRY
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2024 Johann Hari (P)2024 Bloomsbury Publishing PlcWhat listeners say about Magic Pill
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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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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- Anonymous User
- 05-10-24
Fantastic book
Fantastic book I enjoyed this book
Informative
Written very well and backed up with research
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- Ryan McLean
- 22-08-24
Compelling listen
As usual, Johann Hari writes a piece that is thought provoking, eloquent and moving.
I prefer his other books for the subjects they cover but as with his prior work the same level of digging, scientific exploration and cultural impact is looked into.
Definitely something worth listening to if you even gave these pills a thought.
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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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- audible124234543
- 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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- 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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- Emelye
- 06-11-24
Vital listening
Johann has (again) answered and posed all the uncomfortable questions. This is a must listen or read for anyone and any’body’.
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- At this for too long.
- 09-07-24
Your own words are enough.
Tim Spector is a self declared expert.
So many quotes, he may as well have been a co-author. His pithy sayings are plagiarised from dozens of sources; he’s the academic version of Jay Shetty.
That said, Johan is a good storyteller and his personal experience helps understanding what, why and how people deal with obesity. If they choose to deal with it.
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- Thescotsman
- 12-05-24
Well read, researched and convincing.
I read this as my wife is considering going for the jab. I wanted to understand the drugs more, to better support her. In fact I left with a better understanding of just how difficult diet control is for her. I don’t have a problem with food so my default has always been “just stop eating so much. It is as simple as calories in, calories out”. Of course that did nothing to support or help her - the opposite. I now have deeper understanding of the how food and comfort controls the mind and body. I am immediately more compassionate and understanding. Brilliant. Finally, we have a fairly good diet with a smattering of junk food. After reading this I suspect you will think twice about eating processed food.
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